[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 116 (Friday, September 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DICK PICKENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 1997

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a final tribute 
to a close friend and fellow east Texas, R.W. ``Dick'' Pickens of my 
hometown of Rockwall, TX, who died earlier this year at the age of 84. 
Dick Pickens was an extraordinary man who leaves behind a legacy of 
professional and personal accomplishment, and he will be greatly missed 
by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
  Born May 28, 1912, in Frankfort, OH, Dick lived in my hometown of 
Rockwall for the better part of his life. After earning a degree in 
mechanical engineering in 1935 from Ohio State University, he went to 
work for the Alcoa Aluminum Co. as staff engineer. He later worked for 
Reynolds Metals Co. and then organized the Texas Aluminum Co. in 1942, 
over which he presided for more than 20 years. Because of him, Texas 
Aluminum won the prestigious Lockheed Zero Defects Award--a tribute to 
the standard of excellence he set. At one time he had an interests in 
facilities that stretched from Rockwall to Commerce, CA, to Puerto Rico 
and Australia. After a 60-year distinguished career, Dick retired from 
the Aluminum industry that he had served so well.
  Dick's professional accomplishments, however, are just part of who he 
was. Dick cared about everyone he met and knew. He was devoted to his 
community and gave his support wherever it was needed. He was 
particularly interested in helping young people and at one time, he was 
sponsoring as many as 12 students in college.
  Dick is survived by his wife, Louise Pickens of Rockwall; daughter 
and son-in-law, Patti and David Canup of Rockwall; daughter and son-in-
law, Francie and Ross Oliver of Austin, TX; daughter Mayre Springer of 
Phoenix, AR; and step-son Mike Barringer of Rockwall; numerous 
grandchildren and a great grandchild.
  Mr. Speaker, Dick Pickens was a true giant among us. He will be 
remembered by his family and many friends for his kindness and 
generosity--and he will be greatly missed. As we adjourn today, it is a 
privilege for me to honor this great man who also was my close friend.

                          ____________________