[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 121 (Tuesday, October 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF JOSEPH ROE CRAWFORD SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2000

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, today, as I speak, in Brentwood, Tennessee, 
the family, friends, and loved ones of Joseph Roe Crawford Smith are 
celebrating his life, which was so tragically and prematurely ended 
this past Friday in a freak outdoor accident.
  Mr. Speaker, I am taking the unusual step of bringing before the U.S. 
Congress the news of Crawford's passing because Crawford was such an 
extraordinary 22-year-old young man and because his death seems so 
senseless and inexplicable. In fact, this was a double, horrible 
tragedy, because the same accident took the life of his friend and 
fellow University of Tennessee senior Chris Dowdle, also of Brentwood.
  Mr. Speaker, perhaps one day we will know why these model young men 
were taken, in their prime, just as their preparation for adult life 
was so nearly complete. Maybe, ``in the sweet by and by'' in the words 
of that hymn. But, for now, we are hurting and terribly saddened.
  I knew young Crawford. He was handsome, personable and brilliant. He 
was a devout Christian. He was devoted to his parents Joe and Claudette 
and to his sister, Frances. He was a model of good behavior and 
courtesy. He was an inspiration to his colleagues and to adults like 
this Member who had the good fortune to know him. Why, oh why, did he 
have to go so soon?
  Mr. Speaker, in special tribute to Crawford Smith, I have requested 
that an American flag be flown over the United States Capitol this day 
in his honor.
  Mr. Speaker, our hearts are hurting for Joe and Claudette and to 
Chris Dowdle's parents, Douglas and Anita. They are living through a 
parent's worst nightmare. I know all my colleagues join me in praying 
God's most merciful presence with them as they travel through this 
valley of the shadow of death.

                          ____________________