News File Photo The large American flag is seen at the Alpena Harbor.

LANSING - Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff today to honor the life and service of former Michigan state lawmaker Virgil C. Smith. The flag lowering will coincide with the day of the funeral.

“Throughout his career, Virgil C. Smith fought tirelessly to make a difference for the people of Michigan and move our state forward,” Whitmer stated in a press release on Tuesday. “He served at multiple levels of government, became the Michigan Senate’s first Black minority floor leader, and championed Michigan’s schools and courts. He never wavered in his commitment to the people of Michigan, and he leaves an incredible legacy. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and those who worked with and served alongside him.”

Born and raised in Detroit, Smith attended Pershing High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Michigan State University in 1969. In 1972, he obtained his law degree from Wayne State University.

Smith began his career in public service in 1977 when he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where he served the 10th district until 1988. He then represented Michigan’s 2nd district as a state senator until 2000. During his time in the state Senate, Smith served as the Michigan Senate’s first Black minority floor leader.

In 2004, Smith was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve as a Wayne County Circuit Court judge. In 2009, he became the first Black chief judge of the 3rd Circuit and served in this position until he retired in 2018. Throughout his career as a lawmaker and judge, Smith championed reforms for Michigan’s courts and schools, ensuring every Michigander can thrive in our state.

Smith is survived by his first wife, Evelyn Owens Smith; his second wife, Elizabeth Little Smith; four children; and two grandchildren.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of Smith by lowering flags within the State Capitol Complex to half-staff. To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

Flags should be returned to full staff on Thursday.