[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF WILLIE J. COTTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the grandfather 
of Bailey Cotton, Seth Cotton, Emma Cotton, Justin Sloan, Matthew Evans 
and Leslie Evans; the father of Betty Evans, June Sloane and Dwight 
Cotton and the husband of Iris Lee Cotton. I rise in honor of Mr. 
Willie J. Cotton, Jr. who passed away on October 27.
  Mr. Cotton was a native of Harnett County, North Carolina. He was a 
past county commissioner and served Harnett County in office for 12 
years. Mr. Cotton served our country in World War II and was a lifelong 
member of Kipling United Methodist Church.
  As North Carolina's former Superintendent of public education, I know 
what a battle it is to build quality schools for our children. 
Improving schools for our children is my life's work. Mr. Cotton took 
this battle on as a county commissioner to build better schools in 
Harnett County. There aren't many times that a person in public service 
takes a stand for the good of future generations that can cost them 
their political career. He knew he could lose but he voted anyway, and 
children in my home county have been in modern facilities since 1975. 
My own children and the children of Harnett county owe thanks to a man 
most of them never knew.
  That is why, Mr. Speaker, I stand here today: To honor Mr. Cotton and 
to pay my respects to his family and my debt of gratitude. We have lost 
a great man, and I am proud to continue his fight for better schools 
for our children.

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