In 1941, Smith enlisted in the United States Army and was transferred to the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex; he retired from the United States Army Air Corps in October 1945 with the rank of major.

[1][2] Smith was elected as the mayor of Perry, Georgia in 1954, replacing Mayo Davis.

Smith served three two-year terms and was succeeded by Milton Beckham in 1960.

[3] Smith then served in the Georgia State Senate from 1962 to 1973, representing the newly created 18th district.

[7] In 1943, Smith married Carolyn Coleman, a history teacher at Perry High School.