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Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to rise in honor of the
life and legacy of Louis L. Ramsay, Jr. who passed away at the age of 85.
Louis Ramsay, Jr. was born in 1918 in Fordyce, Arkansas, in rural Dallas
County. Through his lifetime, Louis distinguished himself as a husband,
father, businessman, and church and community leader.
He was a truly selfless public servant and a leader in law and banking
who sought to improve the lives of those in the community and state he
called home.
Louis led a remarkable life of both energy and dedication and it was
readily apparent to those around him. From his days on the playing fields
as a University of Arkansas quarterback to his distinguished air combat
service over the battlegrounds of World War II, Louis developed a steadfastness,
discipline and vision well beyond his years. He carried those traits on
to law school and eventually the Arkansas Business Hall of fame.
Whether Louis was working as a lawyer or bank president, or serving
his Governor or alma mater, the scope of his involvement is apparent as
he holds the distinction of the only individual in state history to serve
as president of both the Arkansas Bar Association and the Arkansas Bankers
Association.
Although his professional achievements speak volumes, his influence
transcends the business community as he continually made a priority of
helping others through volunteer service and civic activities. As a member
of a small community, I know what men like Louis mean to their neighbors.
For Louis, the citizens of Pine Bluff showed their appreciation by naming
him the ``City's Most Influential Citizen'' in 1989. This honor recognized
both the significant economic impact he provided the communities of Pine
Bluff and Southeast Arkansas as well as the tireless devotion and strength
of character he displayed. He was truly an example for us all.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Joy; his son, Richard; and
his daughter, Joy. I extend my sincerest sympathies to them and hope we
can all find some solace in the realization that the spirit and legacy
of Louis Ramsay lives on in each of us. |
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