Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, SportsCelebrating the Life of Former W.Va. Gov. Hulett Smith

Celebrating the Life of Former W.Va. Gov. Hulett Smith

Former West Virginia Governor Hulett C. Smith will be laid to rest, but tonight family and friends paid their respects.

Family and close friends gathered at Tamarack an intimate good-bye to former West Virginia Governor Hulett C. Smith.

"We all called him governor all the time but he was something else for 89 years," Jack Canfield, Gov. Hulett's former Press Secretary. "A devoted father and loving grandfather is how family will remember Governor Smith."

For Beckley residents he's a hometown leader, leaving his mark on the state and in their hearts.

"I remember the front page of the paper saying local boy does good," Linda Sumner, West Virginia House of Delegates said.

During Governor Smith's time in the state capitol he pioneered air quality legislation, fought for human rights and was an active leader in education.

But through all of those accomplishments it is said he still had a humble heart.

"He was not flamboyant, he was a hard worker who severed the public and the people well for 4 years," Canfield said.

After his 4 years in office, former he returned to his small town roots.

Everyone in Beckley says if there was an event he would always be there," Canfield continued.

Family and friends say good-bye in a place that bears the same name knowing his legacy will continue to live on.