[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 89 (Wednesday, July 8, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S7677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
DEATH OF ELLISON ``BUBBY'' McKISSICK, JR.
Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, while the Senate was recessed last week,
South Carolina lost one of its most prominent citizens, Ellison
``Bubby'' McKissick, Jr., who was best known as a leader in the textile
industry both in the Palmetto State and throughout the United States.
Bubby McKissick passed away, after a long illness, at the rather
young age of 69. Though his passing came too soon, he distinguished
himself in many ways throughout his life. Not the least of these
achievements was serving as the Chairman of Alice Manufacturing, the
McKissick family mill and one of the largest textile companies in the
Southeast. Additionally, he was a past president of the American
Textile Manufacturers Institute, and a forceful advocate for measures
that would make the textile industry more competitive, including
promoting education.
While his career ultimately took him to the boardroom, Bubby
McKissick learned the textile business from the ground floor of one of
his family's facilities, working in some of the most demanding jobs in
any mill operation. Additionally, Bubby McKissick served in the United
States Marine Corps during the Korean War, earning the rank of
Sergeant, and having the unenviable distinction of being wounded in
combat. This was a man who truly did not have anything handed to him on
a silver platter, and who knew well the valuable lessons that one can
only learn from experience and hard work.
Bubby McKissick's passing is all the more saddening because he was a
loyal supporter, and more importantly, a valued friend. I had known
Bubby almost literally from the day he was born as his family was well
known to me. I was pleased to watch the successes and achievements of
this man, both professional and personal, and I take consolation in the
fact that he lived a full and rewarding life.
Mr. President, Bubby McKissick's passing leaves a tremendous void not
only in our state's corporate community, but in the lives of the many
men and women who called him friend. Bubby McKissick will not soon be
forgotten, and I am certain that all those who knew him would join me
in sending condolences to his family.
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