[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 151 (Monday, November 1, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CLAUDE C. STEWART, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 1, 1999

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Claude C. Stewart, 
Jr. Although he is no longer with us, his life stands as a testament to 
the value of hard work and a strong commitment to family. However, 
``June,'' as he is fondly known, liked to believe that he led an 
ordinary life.
  He was born on September 7, 1923 in Union County, South Carolina. He 
was the 18th child of Claude C. Stewart, Sr. and Janie Means Stewart. 
Other than a 22 month stint serving in the U.S. Army during World War 
II, June spent most of his childhood and adult life in Columbia.
  For more than 40 years, he worked for Johnson's Funeral Home and 
Palmer Memorial Chapel. However, ``June'' is best remembered for his 
service to the Columbia, South Carolina, Fire Department. In 1953, he 
was selected one of the first eight African Americans to work at the 
department. Hard work and dedication enabled June to rise through the 
ranks and become the first black Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief and 
Assistant Chief. In June 1989, he retired as Assistant Chief after 36 
years of service.
  Outside work, ``June'' was a dedicated member of Second Calvary 
Baptist Church were he served on the Deacon Board. He was also a member 
of Masonic Lodge #47 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
  Until his death, June was married to Bertha Williams Stewart for 46 
years. They had two children. Their son, Claude David, predeceased his 
father. Their daughter, Claudette, married Leonard Hampton and has one 
son, Terrance Claude Hampton, whom ``June'' affectionately called his 
``Man.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join with me and my fellow South 
Carolinians from the Columbia area as we pay tribute to Claude C. 
Stewart, Jr. ``June'' showed us how to turn the glory in an ordinary 
life into the extraordinary. He will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________