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September 15, 2005 |
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In Lasting Memory of Ray Braxton Martin
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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and legacy of Ray
Braxton Martin. Ray died on August 21, 2005 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Born
on November 23, 1919 in the town of Rison, Arkansas, Ray graduated as co-valedictorian
with his twin brother, Roy, from Rison High School in 1937.
Ray and his brother dedicated 31 years to Martin Brothers Gas Company.
Ray is perhaps best remembered in Rison for his service to the Election
Commission for nearly 35 years. It was imperative to Ray that local elections
were carried out with the utmost integrity and honesty. Ray's impressive
list of community activities include the Superintendent of Rison Baptist
Church Sunday School where he was also a deacon, a 32nd degree Mason, past
President of Arkansas Butane Association, and past Chairman of the Board
of Trustees for Henderson State University. As you can see, Ray spent a
lifetime giving back to his community.
An avid Rison Wildcat football fan, Ray will be remembered by many in the
Rison community for nearly six decades as the voice of the Wildcats. In
1995, Ray and his brother were honored for their dedication to the Rison
School District when the school district designated a `Ray and Roy Martin
Week' to honor a half century of service. Ray truly set a high bar of community
service for us all to aspire to.
Ray was a dear friend of mine and my heartfelt condolences go out to
Ray's wife, Mary Ethel, their daughters, Cindy and Hilda; their grandsons,
Marty, Russ, and Jason; and their great-granddaughters, Lindsey and Ella.
While Jim may no longer be with us, his legacy and his spirit will always
live on in all the lives he touched. |
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PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF
THE 109th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
