[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO WARD F. CORRELL

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to one 
of Kentucky's leading citizens, Mr. Ward F. Correll. On the 27th day of 
this month, Mr. Correll will be presented with the 2002 Kentuckian 
Award by the A.B. ``Happy'' Chandler Foundation for his commitment to 
family, God, country, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Fellow 
recipients of this award include such greats as University of Kentucky 
basketball announcer Cawood Ledford and country music legend Loretta 
Lynn.
  Born to a poverty-stricken family in Wayne County, KY, Ward Correll 
grew up as 1 of 13 children. As you can surely imagine, basic living 
necessities were quite scarce at times. After graduating from high 
school, Ward decided to hitchhike, with only $2.67 in his pockets, to 
Detroit, where he would begin what would become a memorable journey.
  While living in Detroit, Ward Correll mowed lawns to make ends meet 
until he could find a more permanent and stable job opportunity. But 
before this could happen, our Nation went to war in Korea. Throughout 
the war, Ward served his country in the U.S. Army as part of an 
intelligence unit. After his time in the service came to an end, Ward 
packed up his bags and headed back to his old Kentucky home. Once back 
in Kentucky, he met his future bride-to-be and soulmate, Regina Tarter.
  After discovering the woman of his dreams, Ward decided it was time 
to begin his life as a businessman. Ward let the words from the prayer 
by GEN Douglas MacArthur be his compass-``Lord, give me a son who will 
not let his wishbone take the place of his backbone.'' With a lot of 
hard work, a little luck, and the occasional helping hand, Ward Correll 
turned that $2.67 into a business empire.
  Today, his many business enterprises include Cumberland Shell Oil, 
Inc. and Trade and Wind and Trade Way shopping centers in Somerset and 
Monticello. He is one of the top 10 jobbers in the Nation for Shell 
Oil. Furthermore, he is a major stockholder in First Southern National 
Banks, where his son Jesse is the CEO. You often hear people talk about 
living the American dream. Ward Correll skipped the talking part and 
moved straight to the living.
  Besides his unwavering dedication to country and capitalism, Ward 
Correll has exemplified what it means to be a good Christian. He tithed 
the first penny he ever made as a child and has continued this practice 
even to this very day. He firmly believes God has blessed him 
financially and that he has a moral obligation to those less fortunate 
individuals whose pockets are as shallow as his once were. Throughout 
his lifetime, Ward Correll has assisted the needy, providing them with 
clothes, shoes, dishes and flatware--items that he and his family once 
struggled to possess.
  Mr. President, I ask now that my fellow colleagues join me in 
praising Mr. Ward F. Correll for all that he has accomplished with his 
life. He is a devoted father and husband, a veteran and patriot, and a 
truly righteous man. He has worked tirelessly to make Kentucky and the 
United States of America a better place for us all to live. He is a 
tribute to the American spirit.
  Finally, I would like to share with you, Mr. President, and my fellow 
Senators Mr. Correll's recipe for success. ``Apply the wisdom of what 
wise people have taught you during childhood to all you do; seek the 
advice of wise people, especially those who have experienced failure 
and picked themselves up to become successful again; always do more 
than what you are paid to do; empower yourself to be positive and say 
every day `I feel happy, healthy and terrific and I can do all things 
through Christ who strengthens me.' ''

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