Michigan Political Pioneer Virgil Smith Dies at 80
Former state legislator and first African American chief judge of Wayne County Circuit Court
Virgil Clark Smith, a former Michigan legislator and judicial pioneer, has passed away at age 80 following complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Smith died peacefully on June 23, 2025, after being hospitalized since April 7 with COPD that eventually led to kidney failure and other health complications.
Smith served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1977 to 1988 before moving to the Michigan Senate, where he served from 1988 to 2000. During his legislative career, he contributed to significant legislation including court reorganization in the 1980s and the restructuring of Detroit schools in 1999. Smith made history as the first African American minority floor leader in the Michigan Senate.
KEY POINTS
- •Died at 80 from COPD complications
- •Served 23 years in state legislature
- •First Black chief judge of Wayne County
Following his legislative service, Smith ran unsuccessfully for prosecutor in 2000, losing to Mike Duggan who subsequently appointed him as Chief of Staff in the Prosecutor's office. In 2004, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Smith to Michigan's 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County, where he served for 14 years, including several years as chief judge.
Smith achieved another milestone as the first and only African American Chief Judge of Michigan's 3rd Circuit Court, one of the nation's largest circuit courts. Outside his professional life, Smith enjoyed riding his motor scooter and kayaking in the Detroit River. His family has not yet announced details for his celebration of life.