Town Council
Mayor Jimmy Smith, MD
Phone: 864-369-2466 Email: mayor@honeapathsc.com
Chief James A. Smith, MD
Fire Chief, Physician, Community Leader
With over five decades of dedicated service, Chief James A. “Jimmy” Smith, MD, stands as a pillar of the Honea Path community — a rare blend of public servant, physician, and lifelong volunteer. Chief Smith began his firefighting journey in 1972 as the first 18-year-old appointed to the Honea Path Fire Department. A third-generation firefighter, Jimmy grew up in the department from the age of three and rose through the ranks from tailboard firefighter to Fire Chief in 1995 — a position he continues to hold with distinction. Over his 52 years of service, including 29 as Chief, he has been instrumental in transforming the department from an all-volunteer force to a combination department with EMS services, improving the town’s ISO fire rating from Class 5 to Class 2. Under his leadership, Honea Path has been recognized with the South Carolina Community Fire Safety Award (2020–2024). Chief Smith initiated the town’s ongoing smoke detector blitz in 1996 and has championed fire safety education from children to seniors, helping secure a mobile fire safety house from Anderson City FD in 2020. He has also assisted numerous departments in launching training programs and new stations across the state. His contributions have earned him statewide recognition, including the Fritz Turner Award (2003) from the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs, where he also served on multiple committees. He is the current Chair of the Anderson County Fire Service Training Board and serves on the Advisory Board for Anderson County’s Career & Technology Center Fire Program. Beyond the fire service, Dr. Smith has practiced family medicine in Honea Path for over 42 years. A 1981 graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, he returned home to serve his community, providing quality care — often at no or reduced cost — to patients in need. He helped establish the first Anderson Free Clinic in 1985 and volunteered there until 2000. Dr. Smith has been affiliated with AnMed since 2000 and has also served as team physician for BHP High School, on the SC State Medical Control Committee, and as Assistant Medical Control Physician for Anderson County EMS since 2015.
His numerous honors include:
Order of the Palmetto – South Carolina’s highest civilian honor
Order of the Silver Crescent
Doctor of the Day, South Carolina State House (March 2023)
Eagle Scout and God and Country Award recipient (1966)
Dr. Smith also served on the Anderson County School District Two Board from 1987–1995 and has been an active supporter of Scouting since 1964.
A proud graduate of Belton-Honea Path High School (1971), Clemson University (BS, Pre-Med, 1975; MS, Nutrition, 1977), and MUSC (MD, 1981), Chief Smith has earned widespread respect as a humble, tireless servant-leader whose impact on Honea Path and beyond is immeasurable.
Town Council
Council Member Ward 3
🏛 Honea Path Town Council Meetings
The Town of Honea Path operates under a strong mayor form of government with an appointed administrator.
The Mayor serves a four-year term, and the Town Council is composed of six members who serve staggered four-year terms to provide consistent leadership and representation for our community.
Beginning October 2025, the Honea Path Town Council meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM.
📍 Location:
Watkins Community Center – Town Courtroom
204 S. Main Street, Honea Path, SC
Each meeting follows a formal agenda to ensure orderly conduct and effective discussion. The agenda is published prior to each meeting and serves as a guide for the evening’s proceedings.
🟠 All are welcome — stay informed and engaged with your town!
Committees
PUBLIC SAFETY:
- Jim Taylor (Chair)
- Marie Jenkins
- Jason Peterson
PUBLIC WORKS:
- Earl Ashley (Chair)
- Marie Jenkins
- Molly Fisher
PARKS & RECREATION:
- Sheila Caldwell (Chair)
- Molly Fisher
- Jason Peterson
FINANCE:
- Earl Ashley (Chair)
- Jim Taylor
- Sheila Caldwell
WATKINS COMMUNITY CENTER
Appointed Council Member
- Jason Peterson
EMPOWER HONEA PATH
Appointed Council Member
- Sheila Caldwell