HillCo Partners announced with deep sadness the passing of R. Clint Smith, 82, widely regarded as one of the finest and most trusted lobbyists in Texas government history and a treasured member of the firm for more than a quarter century.
Clint began his career at the Texas Capitol in 1973 and went on to work 27 legislative sessions — 54 years — first with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, then AT&T, and finally with HillCo Partners from 1998 until 2023 when he retired to spend time with his family.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime friend and colleague, Clint Smith. Clint was one of a kind. He was smart, thoughtful, steady under pressure and, above all, a man of tremendous character,” said Neal T. Buddy Jones, co-founder of HillCo Partners.
“For decades, he devoted himself to public service and to helping his clients navigate the complexities of Texas government with honesty and integrity. Clint’s contributions to the Texas Capitol and to the lobbying profession will be remembered for generations.
He was a true lobby legend. But for those of us who knew him best, it is the friendship, the laughter and the memories that we will treasure most. We will miss Clint dearly, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people whose lives he touched. Texas has lost a true gentleman, a great public advocate and a very good friend,” Jones said.
Services are pending. HillCo Partners extends its deepest condolences to Clint’s family and to everyone whose life he touched.
