[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 143 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BILL MITCHELL

 Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, just before the sine die 
adjournment, the Alabama Business Hall of Fame at the University of 
Alabama announced that Bill Mitchell would be one of its inductees this 
year. Bill is the retired president of First National Bank of Florence, 
which is now SunTrust Bank.
  This University of Alabama Law School graduate has spent his life 
serving his community. He has served as president of the Muscle Shoals, 
Alabama, Regional Library Board, the Florence Chamber of Commerce, the 
Florence Rotary Club, and the Lauderdale County Chapter of the American 
Red Cross.
  Bill has also been a member of the board of directors of the Alabama 
State Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Department of Archives and 
History Board of Trustees, the University of Alabama System Board of 
Trustees, the University of Alabama College of Commerce and Business 
Administration Board of Visitors, and the University of North Alabama 
president's cabinet.
  His rich heritage suits this honor well. He still attends First 
Presbyterian Church in Florence, where his great-grandfather, a Scotch-
Irish immigrant, served as pastor during the 1850's. His grandfather 
served as a probate judge, a representative in the Alabama Legislature, 
and State tax commissioner. His father served in the State senate and 
as president of the Alabama State Bar.
  Bill earned a noncombatant Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and a 
Legion of Merit award for his service during World War II. Before going 
into banking, he practiced law in Florence from 1946 to 1958.
  According to an Alabama Business Hall of Fame report, the purpose of 
this award is to honor ``the names and accomplishments of the State's 
most distinguished business leaders.'' Bill Mitchell certainly fits 
this description. He has succeeded by following his own advice: ``Learn 
a lot about a lot of things, work hard and get to know people.'' He is 
a living example of the wisdom of that advice, for he has practiced it 
and lived it throughout his life.
  In fact, few people have been as instrumental in making the city of 
Florence what it is today as he has. He has been involved in virtually 
every organized effort aimed at improving the quality of life for its 
residents. He has a lengthy list of leadership positions and career 
positions. He has often been called upon to serve as the president of 
charitable and civic organizations like those mentioned above. He has 
made his mark in business and has served his family and church 
faithfully.
  I am pleased to commend and congratulate Bill Mitchell for being 
inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame. He continues to bring 
honor to his city and its citizens who have been the beneficiaries of 
his many years of outstanding and selfless service.

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