[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 88 (Thursday, June 27, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ALBERT GRAVES, A PUBLIC SERVANT AND AN INSPIRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2002

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Albert Graves, 
a lawyer, a businessman, and a community leader who died on June 13, 
2002, at the age of 92. It has been written of Albert that he built his 
power in an unusual way by helping the community whenever he could, 
without regard for who got credit.
  Albert Graves was born on Christmas Day, 1909, in Hope, AR. Perhaps 
that was an indication of what a gift he would become to that 
community. After graduating from Hope High School in 1926 and Hendrix 
College in 1930, Albert received his law degree from Harvard Law School 
in 1933 and soon joined his father, O.A. Graves, in practicing law. The 
young attorney made a name for himself in Hope, and at the age of 25 
was elected mayor, the youngest in that city's history.
  Albert served as mayor of Hope from 1935 to 1939, and from 1941 to 
1947. His career in public service was not limited to city hall; he 
served as president of the Hope School Board from 1953-57, and was 
chairman of the Hope Water and Light Commission. Albert was quite 
active in Arkansas's law community and was a member of numerous 
associations and foundations, and he served as chairman of the State 
Judicial Nominations Committee each year from 1978 until 1982. He was 
also quite active in the First United Methodist Church, and taught the 
Century Bible Class for more than 50 years.
  Albert Graves was Hempstead County's Citizen of the Year in 1978, and 
was an inspiration and a model for his community. He was well-
respected, well-loved, and will be fondly remembered.
  As a child growing up and attending public school in Hope, I saw him 
as one who was involved in his community, a successful businessman and 
accomplished attorney who took the time to give back. I looked up to 
him and was inspired by his example.
  My heart goes out to his wife, Marilyn, his three children, seven 
grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren in what I know is a difficult 
time for them. I am keeping all of them in my thoughts and in my 
prayers. While Albert Graves may no longer be with us, his life and 
legacy live on in the lives of all those he touched.

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