[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S10191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BILLY CLYDE DIFFIE'S RETIREMENT

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to congratulate my 
friend, Billy Clyde Diffie, who entered the ranks of retired persons on 
August 31, 1996.
  Billy Clyde Diffie was born on March 27, 1934 in Ohatchee, AL to Carl 
and Alta Diffie. He graduated from Ohatchee High School, where he 
excelled as a running back. He followed in his father's footsteps by 
later taking a job at the Anniston Foundry in Anniston, AL. In July 
1959, he began a career with the Alabama Highway Department as an 
engineer assistant. Over the next three and a half decades, until his 
retirement last month, he worked his way through the engineer grades 
all the way to the rank of CE 1--civil engineer.
  Right by his side during his long career with the Alabama Highway 
Department was his wife, Vera Sue, who he married on April 17, 1953. 
They have five children, Rodney Clyde, Stanley Keith, Anthony Karl, 
Pamela Rene, and Kimberly Sue. All five children graduated from 
Sylacauga High School in Sylacauga, AL, where the Diffies reside in the 
Fairmont Community. They have just recently purchased a second home in 
Laguna Beach, FL, just in time for his retirement. The house is located 
between his brother's beach house and his sister's on the other side.
  As his children were growing up, Billy was very active in little 
league baseball both as a parent and as an umpire. He also coached 
baseball and football and was active in the youth program at the Marble 
City Baptist Church.
  I congratulate and commend Billy Clyde Diffie on his outstanding 
career and wish him all the best for a happy, healthy retirement.

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