Archived Press Releases
Smith, Gambrell & Russell Attorney Knighted By Pope John Paul, II
ATLANTA, GA.- Pope John Paul II has named Alex W. Smith, long-time leader and attorney at Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, as a Knight of Saint Gregory, the highest honor the Catholic Church can bestow upon a layman. Smith will be invested at the rank of Commander in an official vespers ceremony on Monday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the King.
This rare papal honor recognizes both a lifetime of notable accomplishments on behalf of the Catholic Church, and Smith’s personal character and reputation. Archbishop of Atlanta John F. Donoghue, who will install Smith to Knighthood at the ceremony describes Smith as a pillar of the Catholic Church in this community. “I can think of no person more deserving of this honor” said Archbishop Donoghue. “This honor is both my and the Holy Father’s way of thanking him for all he has done and continues to do to help build up the body of Christ in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.”
Smith has devoted a great deal of time and attention to civic and religious activities in Atlanta. Among his activities, he was a member of the Executive Committee and founding President of Central Atlanta Progress and for eight years served on the Board of the State Department of Transportation. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Georgia Foundation, as a Director of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and as Chairman of the Archdiocese of Atlanta Finance Council. In addition, Smith is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association and the International Association of Defense Counsel.
Smith was general counsel of the Catholic Archdiocese and was general chairman on a successful campaign for capital funds. The Cathedral Christ the King raised more than $15 million for building additions to the Cathedral and the school. Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP has represented the Archdiocese of Atlanta for more than 30 years.
A native of Atlanta, Smith earned his B.B.A. degree from the University of Georgia in 1947, and he then received his LL.B. degree from the University of Georgia in 1949. Prior to entering law school Mr. Smith served for three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps in U.S., England and France.
One of Smith’s grandfathers, J. Carroll Payne, Esq., was also invested as a Knight of St. Gregory the Great, on May 24, 1935 by the most Reverend Michael Keyes, Bishop of Savannah.
At 80 years old, Smith continues to practice law in Georgia.