Murrell Smith was born in Florence, South Carolina in 1968 to Jody and Murrell Smith. He moved to Sumter at the age of nine and has called Sumter home ever since. He chose Sumter to live, work, and begin his family. Murrell constantly strives to improve Sumter and Clarendon Counties and is committed to protecting the values and quality of life that makes Sumter everyone’s home.
Murrell graduated from Wofford College with a double major in history and government. Upon the completion of Wofford, Murrell pursued his law degree at the University of South Carolina School of Law. After graduation, Murrell returned to Sumter to practice law. Murrell is currently a partner in the Lee Law Firm and also enjoys ownership in Reliable Medical Equipment and Wild Wing Café at Village at Sandhill.
Murrell is married to the former Macaulay White of Sumter and recently celebrated the birth of his first child, Mary Brown “Bee” Smith. Murrell enjoys spending time with his family, travel, and hunting. He is also an active member of First Presbyterian Church. Murrell participates in the Palmetto Rotary Club and is a former board member of the Sumter County Gallery of Art. He also serves on the Commission on Indigent Defense. Most recently Murrell has been appointed by Governor Sanford to the South Carolina Military Affairs Commission.
Politically, Murrell was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2001. He served on the House Judiciary Committee until 2009. During this period, he was First Vice Chairman of the Committee and then served as Chairman of the Criminal Laws Subcommittee. Recently, Murrell was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee. He serves on the Health and Human Services Subcommittee.
Murrell has received many accolades that exemplify his commitment to public service and love of Sumter. He has received the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Achievement Award and The State Newspaper 20 Under 40 Award in 2008. He also was selected Legislator of the Year for the Victims Assistance Network, the Fraternal Order of the Police, the South Carolina Prosecution Commission, and the Humane Society. He was the recipient of the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense Distinguished Service Award and the Daniel Award by the Gun Owners of South Carolina.
