[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 89 (Monday, June 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO MR. FERDINAND HAMMONDS, SR. OF MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2001

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the long and 
fruitful life of Mr. Ferdinand Hammonds, Sr. of Madison County, 
Alabama, an extraordinary man whose ninety-seven years have been marked 
by his love of country, family and God.
  Mr. Hammonds was born in Madison County on June 24, 1904. Throughout 
his life, he has worked hard and excelled in many roles as a farmer, as 
a funeral director, at a rock quarry, and until his final retirement at 
age 86 at the Madison Boulevard Chevron station.
  One of Mr. Hammond's biggest successes was raising six happy and 
healthy children with his dear wife of 67 years, Anna Jones. His 
children, James, Ferdinand Jr., Sister, Jewell, Piney and Tiney are his 
pride and joy and lovingly refer to him as ``Pops''. Mr. Hammonds is 
also the oldest living sibling out of 15 and his sisters Martha Coleman 
and Mary Robinson celebrate his birthday as well. He is the eldest 
member of the St. Peter United Methodist Church having served on the 
Trustee Board.
  With a lifetime love of sports, Mr. Hammonds has become one of Bob 
Jones High School's most beloved fans. He is a familiar sight at their 
basketball, football and baseball games even earning a special seat and 
an assigned parking spot.
  On behalf of the people of Alabama's Fifth Congressional District, I 
join them in celebrating the extraordinary life of this incredible man. 
I send him and his family and friends my best wishes on this special 
birthday celebration. I wish Mr. Hammonds a happy and healthy 97th 
year.

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