Tuesday night, Mayor Russ Carpenter presented Ray Smith, city attorney for Richmond Hill, with the “Friend of the City” award for his exemplary contributions to the Greater Richmond Hill community. 

“For over 40 years, this city has received the wise counsel of our city attorney, Ray Smith. In that long and unprecedented tenure, Ray has served four mayors, countless councilmembers, and our residents with a faithful dedication to the law, and a loyalty to our city. This award is aptly named when considering the contributions and steadfast guidance of our barrister, counselor, and friend, Ray Smith.”

Smith is the second recipient of the award in 2021. Earlier, Bryan County Sheriff’s Office Maj. David Blige received the honor, which will only be given out twice annually, Carpenter said.