I rise today to pay tribute to Albert Graves, a lawyer, a businessman, and a community leader who died on June 13, 2002, at the age of 92. It has been written of Albert that he built his power in an unusual way by helping the community whenever he could, without regard for who got credit. 

Albert Graves was born on Christmas Day, 1909, in Hope, Arkansas.  Perhaps that was an indication of what a gift he would become to that community.  After graduating from Hope High School in 1926 and Hendrix College in 1930, Albert received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1933 and soon joined his father, O.A. Graves, in practicing law.  The young attorney made a name for himself in Hope, and at the age of 25 was elected mayor, the youngest in that city’s history.  

Albert served as mayor of Hope from 1935 to 1939, and from 1941 to 1947.  His career in public service was not limited to city hall; he served as president of the Hope School Board from 1953-57, and was chairman of the Hope Water and Light Commission.  Albert was quite active in Arkansas’s law community and was a member of numerous associations and foundations, and he served as chairman of the State Judicial Nominations Committee each year from 1978 until 1982.  He was also quite active in the First United Methodist Church, and taught the Century Bible Class for more than fifty years.

Albert Graves was Hempstead County’s Citizen of the year in 1978, and was an inspiration and a model for his community.  He was well-respected, well-loved, and will be fondly remembered.  

As a child growing up and attending public school in Hope, I saw him as one who was involved in his community, a successful businessman and accomplished attorney who took the time to give back.  I looked up to him and was inspired by his example.

My heart goes out to his wife, Marilyn, his three children, seven grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren in what I know is a difficult time for them.  I am keeping all of them in my thoughts and in my prayers.  While Albert Graves may no longer be with us, his life and legacy live on in the lives of all those he touched.