The Honorable Pat Gaulden Smith, born May 1951 in Cairo, GA to Pat and Rubye Smith, was second oldest of five children. With sad hearts, his family announces that on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 — following months of daunting spinal cord injury rehab and sheer determination — Pat G. Smith went “Home” and is now in the presence of his loving Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, William T. Smith; sister, Marcia S. Easler; and brother, George. A service to honor former Town of Springdale Mayor Smith will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 19 at Springdale Baptist Church, 357 Wattling Rd., Springdale SC 29170. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM in the church fellowship hall. Pat’s longtime personal friend, Pastor Tommy McGill will be officiating. Interment will follow at Southland Memorial Gardens, 820 W. Dunbar Rd., West Columbia, SC. Arrangements are being handled by Caughman-Harman Funeral Home.

A devoted public servant, Smith was the second longest serving mayor in Lexington County history, longest serving Mayor of the Town of Springdale – nearly three decades. Widely known and respected, he loved the Town of Springdale. His annual Lexington County Municipal Association backyards were legendary, hosted by friends Jimmy and LaVonne Roof. Politics aside, evenings of true camaraderie, attended by governors, their families, elected officials, and area law enforcement. Pat’s public service included numerous boards and commissions including the SC Municipal Association, multiple terms President Lexington County Municipal Association, Central Midlands Regional Council of Governments, Central Regional Transit Authority, President SC Association of Regional Councils, Member/Vice-Chair Joint Water and Sewer Commission. Later, Pat was appointed by Governor Nikki Haley to the State Workforce Development Board, and in 2019 by the Lexington County Legislative Delegation to the Richland – Lexington Airport District Commission serving as Vice-Chair. In those circles, he developed wonderful and last friendships.

In 1955, Pat’s family relocated from GA to Springdale, SC where he was raised and lived. He and his family attended and were very active in First Baptist Church of West Columbia, where he later served as deacon and married. He graduated Airport High School (1969), attended Anderson College, and graduated Newberry College. In 2001, he was awarded a Master of Public Administration by the University of South Carolina, graduating with Honors, member Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society.

In 1971, Pat began what became almost a 50-year career at the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, an agency of state government serving at-risk youth – agency director from 1998 to June 30, 2025. He had an internal commitment to run his “race” well, often putting others needs before his own. In spite of often being told by others how he should have done things, he possessed a true north compass and lived his life by God’s Word, integrity not waning. When challenged, he was a resilient force to be reckoned with, yet grace and mercy readily perceived. Even in his most difficult months, those around him often commented how he never lost faith nor trust in knowing the Good Lord was in charge of his life.

Throughout his public career, Smith received numerous awards and recognitions….however, all paled in comparison to the role he cherished as family man and Uncle Pat. He and wife Rosalie loved their nieces and nephews, routinely celebrating baptisms, dance recitals, graduations, summer excursions, Christmas parties at the Smith home, weddings, and baby showers – even once hosting for dinner the entire Lees-McRae College Tennis Team. Little else in life surpassed the joy those remarkable young people brought to his life. More recent years included the visits he was able to make with NC, TN, and GA families… especially memories of extended Sunday evening phone calls with his Uncle Truett, fun-filled Thanksgiving Day hunts in South GA at Red Hill Farm, hunting pheasant in South Dakota with his brothers or sitting around the dinner table with Uncle Bill.

Pat sought the best in and for everyone God brought into his life. He and Rosalie enjoyed sharing their many blessings with others; grateful to God for their 47 wonderful years together. He was a faithful servant, husband, son, leader, friend, brother. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie; brother, John, and so many wonderful family and close friends.