Former W.Va. Gov. Hulett C. Smith Dies at 93

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former West Virginia Gov. Hulett C. Smith, who signed bills that abolished the state's death penalty and implemented its first strip mining laws, has died at the age of 93.

Smith's family announced Monday that the former governor died Sunday in Arizona, where had moved to an assisted living facility last fall.

Smith, a Democrat, was elected in 1964 at a time when governors were limited to a single term.

During his tenure, the West Virginia Legislature enacted measures to control air and water pollution and to protect human rights.

Smith was born on Oct. 21, 1918, as the offspring of a political family. His father, Joe L. Smith, served eight terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1929 to 1944.