[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 111 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF DR. GORDON PETTY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
career of Dr. Gordon Petty, who has served his community of Smith 
County, Tennessee, with dedicated passion. Dr. Petty opened the first 
licensed hospital in Smith County in 1951 and practiced as a physician 
in his hometown for 50 years before retiring.
  Dr. Petty's life is a perfect example of what it means to give back 
to your community. He graduated from Smith County High School in 1938 
and received a degree from Cumberland College in 1941. He then served 
in the United States Navy as a communications officer onboard a 
destroyer during World War II. He continued to serve in the Naval 
Reserve for a number of years after World War II and also received a 
medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1950.
  During Dr. Petty's professional career, he served on a number of 
medical boards and associations, including the American Medical 
Association, the Tennessee Medical Association and the Board of 
Trustees of Smith County Memorial Hospital. He also participated in a 
variety of civic organizations, which included the Carthage Lion's 
Club, the Carthage Town Council and the Board of Directors of Citizen's 
Bank.
  Dr. Petty's grit and determination to serve his country, his patients 
and his community are admirable and a testament to his exemplary life. 
I cordially congratulate Dr. Petty for serving each with dignity, honor 
and compassion. I also wish him the very best in his well-deserved 
retirement.

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