[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2479-E2480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO RALPH ``POP'' STRICKLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true friend 
and truly great Arkansan, Ralph ``Pop'' Stricklin.
  Pop, who celebrated his 80th birthday last month, has helped make 
Jonesboro, Arkansas, the great place that it is today. When he wasn't 
working in the electric and refrigeration business, a career he began 
in 1936, Pop served his country and his community in so many ways. He 
served his country in the U.S. Army from 1941-46. For 36 years, he 
served as the Alderman of Jonesboro, working under five mayors. He also 
worked with the Fair Board for 15 years and was a valued and faithful 
employee to Arkansas State University for 20 years.
  Pop is a VFW life member, DAV life member, a member of the American 
Legion; the Boy Scouts; Salvation Army Board; the Elks; Kiwanis, where 
he has had 36 years of perfect attendance; a board member of the First 
Methodist Church; and a member of the Jaycees ``Old Rooster, after 35 
age group,'' to name a few. He has also served on several

[[Page E2480]]

committees including the police, street, parks, fire, cemetery, animal 
control, planning and inspection, electrical examining board, and other 
committees where he made a difference and always contributed to the 
city of Jonesboro and the state of Arkansas. Pop has received the key 
to the city of Jonesboro and has a day named after him because of his 
work.
  He has also worked to improve the lives of young people as an active 
member of the male-youth organization Order of DeMolays, where he was 
``State DeMolay Dad,'' or ``Pop'' as we now call him.
  Pop Stricklin exemplifies what it is to be a great citizen and a 
great American. He has always worked hard to make his community a 
better place to live, work, and raise a family. Our community is a 
better place because of his presence. He is someone you can always 
count on and I am proud to call Pop Stricklin my friend.

                          ____________________