[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E140]
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

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2000

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute once again to a pillar in my hometown, Mr. Mack Willie Rhodes 
of Sumter, SC. It is with great pleasure that I rise today to 
congratulate Mr. Rhodes on his 102d birthday. 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 worshipped 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, SC, 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), 48 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 to treat you.''
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Mr. Mack Willie Rhodes a 
prosperous and happy 102d birthday, and the best this year has to 
offer.

                          ____________________