JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council held a special meeting on December 22, 2025, to recognize former Mayor Johnny L. Smith for his 33 years of distinguished public service to the city.
Mayor Mark Jones read a certificate of recognition honoring Smith’s extensive tenure, which included 12 years as a council member followed by 21 years as mayor. The proclamation highlighted Smith’s contributions to infrastructure, education, public safety, and economic development during his time in office.
“Under his leadership, Jacksonville experienced significant advancements in infrastructure, education, public safety, and economic development, all of which strengthened the foundation of the community and improved the quality of life for its residents,” the proclamation stated.
In a significant honor, the council announced that the council chambers at Jacksonville City Hall will be permanently renamed the “Johnny L. Smith Council Chambers.”
The meeting, which took place at 6:00 p.m., was opened with an invocation by Pastor Thelma Thomas, who also took a moment to publicly thank the Jacksonville Fire Department and the paramedics for their recent response in saving her daughter’s life three weeks prior.
In his remarks, Smith expressed gratitude to those he worked with throughout his career. “Everybody working together, had good councils to work with, good city employees, department heads,” Smith said. “The greatest reward to me is the people I’ve met during this journey.”
Mayor Jones thanked past council members who served under Smith for attending the ceremony. The brief meeting concluded with refreshments and fellowship as attendees celebrated Smith’s legacy of public service.
