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Congressional RecordPROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 107th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

House of Representatives

June 6, 2002
 
A Tribute to Robert S. Hargraves
 
Thank you Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Robert “Bobby” Hargraves, a distinguished Arkansan, attorney, and life-long Democrat who died on June 1st at the young age of 55. 

Bobby’s notable career in law began after he graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1973.  He then moved to Hot Springs with his wife, Joanie, to begin a 29-year law practice.  In those 29 years, he has served as an Arkansas Bar Examiner and has twice served as a Special Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, in addition to serving as a special Circuit Judge and Chancery Judge. 

But Bobby did much more for his community than uphold and defend the law; he was an exemplary citizen who cared a great deal for children, and he focused his work to better their lives and their futures.  He served as Garland County’s first Juvenile Referee, President of the Arkansas Juvenile Judges Association, and established the juvenile justice program in Hot Springs.  He was the founder of the Ouachita Children’s Center, dedicated to providing emergency shelter and support for abused, neglected, and troubled youth, offering prevention and intervention outreach for youth and their families.

Bobby was an avid gardener and outdoorsman, he had an engaging personality and was well-liked.  He was a close, personal friend of President Bill Clinton and, like Clinton, was a dedicated Democrat. 

I know this is a difficult time for Bobby’s wife, Joanie, their sons, Lucas and Jacob, his mother Jean, his brother James and two sisters Ruth and Rosemary, and all of his many friends and relatives whom he loved dearly.  I am keeping all of them in my thoughts and prayers.  While Bobby Hargraves may no longer be with us, his spirit and his legacy live on in the many lives of those he touched.


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