[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 79 (Monday, June 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1153-E1154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATION OF DR. HENDERSON D. MABE, IN ERWIN, NORTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 7, 1999

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the attention of the 
Congress to commemorate the excellent medical and educational, 
political and community service rendered by the late Dr. Henderson D. 
Mabe of Erwin, North Carolina. I also commend the generosity and the 
personal integrity of Dr. Mabe who passed away in Erwin recently.
  Dr. Mabe was born in Kinston, North Carolina. He received his 
graduate degree in medical sciences at Wake Forest College. At Watts 
Hospital in Durham, under the supervision of Dr. Ralph Fleming, he 
served his residency duty. Relocated to Erwin as a temporary substitute 
for a local doctor recovering from illness, Dr. Mabe became very much 
attached to the Erwin community. In fact, he spent his entire life at 
Erwin except when he served his country as a medical doctor in the 
United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. In addition to his 
valuable medical contribution, Dr. Mabe was an influential politician. 
Having demonstrated his leadership skills as president of the student 
body and president of his senior class, Dr. Mabe ran for the State 
Legislature where he served one term from 1963 to 1964 as one of the 
most respected officials.
  Dr. Mabe was highly regarded as a distinguished doctor and scholar, 
politician and community member. He was loved and respected by the 
community not only because of his excellent medical service but also 
because of his personal integrity. As the former U.S. Senator Robert 
Morgan, a close friend of D. Mabe stated: ``Long before Medicaid and 
Medicare programs were available for the aged and needy, Buster Mabe 
cared for them and never asked or expected pay. He never turned anyone 
away if he had to stay at the office until late in the evening, as he 
often did. We also pay tribute today to one of the most remarkable 
family doctors this country has ever seen. Dr. Mabe will be sorely 
missed, but his influence will be felt forever.''
  Dr. Mabe's thoughtful dedication and contribution to advance the 
progress and education in the medical field as well as to strengthen 
the Erwin community lives on. In his bequest, Dr. Mabe made a gift 
worth $2 million to the North Carolina Community Foundation for the 
establishment of the Henderson D. Mabe Jr. Endowment Fund with a 
special emphasis on the Erwin community. The gift is the largest 
charitable donation in the history of Harnett County. In his spirit, 
this fund will be used to provide college scholarships for Harnett area 
high school seniors with preference to those living in or around Erwin 
who have planned to pursue a degree or certification in the medical 
field at a college, university, community or junior college, technical 
school, nursing school or other post secondary school training. The 
fund will also support graduates from Harnett County high schools 
especially from in or around Erwin who are full time students at Bowman 
Gray, the Medical School of University of North Carolina, East Carolina 
Medical School or Duke Medical School. In addition, Good Hope Hospital 
and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Erwin where Dr. Mabe has been an 
active member will benefit as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the high achievements and personal integrity 
of Dr. Henderson D. Mabe. Dr. Henderson D. Mabe lived a rich life as a 
remarkable and distinguished doctor and scholar, public servant and 
community member of Harnett County, North Carolina. Dr. Mabe will be 
sorely missed, but he has left a legacy that will live on for many 
years to come.

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