[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 88 (Tuesday, July 11, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H5817-H5818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO MAXWELL EMMETT ``PAT'' BUTTRAM AND AUGUSTUS MCDANIEL ``GUS'' 
                                BUTTRAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 1915, a star and a 
humanitarian was born. Maxwell Emmett, better known as ``Pat'' Buttram 
of Addison, Alabama, in Winston County brought laughter and untold 
hours of sheer enjoyment to citizens across this great Nation. His film 
career spans 46 years from the early days as Gene Autry's sidekick to 
his parts as a voice in four of Disney's animated movies. Millions of 
television viewers will remember Pat for his role as the affable Mr. 
Haney in the television series ``Green Acres'' and ``Petticoat 
Junction.'' Pat had a keen wit in the style of Will Rogers and was a 
much sought-after speaker.
  Pat was brought up in a Methodist parsonage, son of a circuit-riding 
Methodist minister. He was the seventh child in a family of five boys 
and three girls. Pat never forgot the early lessons taught by this 
strong, God-fearing family. Concern for others was a staple in the 
Buttram household. As Pat's fame grew, he used his celebrity status to 
perform in benefits and shared his time and talents to help those less 
fortunate. He never forgot his roots or the place he called home. He 
donated not only money, but also his time to help build Camp Maxwell 
near his home in Alabama. This camp has played an important part in the 
lives of youth and the handicapped.

[[Page H5818]]

  Pat died in Hollywood, California, on January 8, 1994, and was laid 
to rest in his family church at Maxwell Chapel in Winston County, 
Alabama.
  While maybe not as well known, Pat's older brother, Gus Buttram, who 
lives in my hometown of Haleyville, was equally committed to serving 
others. Gus was born on June 21, 1913. While in high school, Gus 
suffered a paralysis that was brought on by tuberculosis. After surgery 
and rehabilitation, he graduated from Altoona High School in Etowah 
County, Alabama. Following graduation from Athens State in 1942 with a 
bachelor's degree in science and history, Gus married Rebecca, better 
known as Becky Buttram, Eppes of Goodwater, Alabama, on January 18, 
1943. He followed his father into the ministry as a fourth generation 
Methodist minister. His first church appointment was at Remlap 
Methodist Church in Blount County, Alabama. Over the next 3 decades he 
would have many assignments in north Alabama.
  Gus and Becky's desire to serve others is unquestioned. Turning down 
more lucrative career paths, Gus and Becky enriched the lives of those 
they serve. Retiring in 1978, Gus and Becky live at Pebble, near 
Haleyville, in Winston County, Alabama. They take great pride in their 
children, Mary Buttram Young, who is a dialysis nurse at Helen Keller 
Hospital in Sheffield, Alabama and Marvin McDaniel, better known as 
``Mac'' Buttram, who is pastor of St. Andrews United Methodist Church 
in Cullman, Alabama, and is a fifth generation Methodist minister.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to recognize these two 
brothers, Gus and Pat Buttram, for their unselfish service to others.

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