[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MACK WILLIE RHODES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 25, 1999

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to a pillar in my hometown, Mr. Mack Willie Rhodes of Sumter, 
South Carolina. An African-American great great-grandfather, Mr. Rhodes 
has been a champion in his community for many years. He is continually 
offering his assistance to neighbors, friends and family in many 
capacities. Mr. Rhodes is the oldest member of Melina Presbyterian 
Church, where he has worshiped since 1915. Mr. Rhodes is an Elder in 
his church and was a Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He 
also taught Sunday school at the Goodwill Presbyterian Church and has 
been a member of Masonic Lodge Golden Gate No. 73 since 1948.
  Mr. Rhodes was born in Sardinia, South Carolina, on February 25, 1898 
to Robert and Olivia Williams Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes is the second oldest 
of 15 children. Family, good values, and good living are Mr. Rhodes' 
most cherished possessions.
  At an early age Mr. Rhodes married Annie Elizabeth Hammett Rhodes 
(deceased). They had 14 children: Calvin Oliver Rhodes, John Tillman 
Rhodes, Adranna Olivia Cooper, Susanna H. Hannibal, Annie Elizabeth 
Muldrow, Hattie Jane Burgess, Mack Willie Rhodes, Sam J. Rhodes, Daisy 
B. Sims, Willie Rhodes, Albert Rhodes, Viola Rhodes Montgomery, 
MacArthur Rhodes, and Paul Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes later married Mrs. Carrie 
Smith Rhodes (deceased), who brought two children to their union: 
Maggie and Johnny Smith. He is affectionately known as ``Papa'' by his 
7 children (9 deceased), 41 grandchildren (5 deceased), 41 great-
grandchildren (2 deceased) and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Rhodes' favorite pastime is reading the Bible, newspapers and 
magazines. He also enjoys watching baseball, the news, and news related 
programs on television. He still takes time to visit the sick in his 
community to offer any assistance he may be able to provide. His 
favorite Bible scripture is the 23rd Chapter of Psalms. Mr. Rhodes also 
lives by a motto, ``Treat others as you would have them treat you.''
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Mr. Mack Willie Rhodes a 
prosperous and happy 101st birthday. He is truly a living example of 
the American spirit.

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