[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2015-E2016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CECIL WILLIAMS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Arkansas's 
finest citizens, Cecil Williams, Jr. I am proud to recognize Mr. 
Williams in the United States Congress for his invaluable contributions 
to his profession, his family, his state and his nation.

[[Page E2016]]

  Mr. Williams was born in Tyronza, Arkansas on October 17, 1932. He 
grew up working in the fertile cotton fields of Eastern Arkansas before 
graduating from Wilson High School in 1950. He spent one year at 
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and joined the United States Air 
Force in 1952. As a weather observer in the Air Force, Mr. Williams 
lived in Alabama, Texas, Illinois and Alaska.
  After serving his country in the military, Mr. Williams enrolled at 
Louisiana State University, where he received a degree in agricultural 
economics in 1960. After graduation, he spent five years working as a 
field representative for the National Cotton Council in Louisiana and 
south Arkansas. While living in Louisiana, Mr. Williams married Barbara 
Lee Rodgers, They have three sons and currently are the proud 
grandparents of one granddaughter with a second grandchild on the way.
  In 1965, Mr. Williams became executive vice president of the 
Agricultural Council of Arkansas [ACA] and has now served the members 
of the ACA for more than 37 years. He has used his experience and 
expertise to help readers of the ACA newsletter stay informed about the 
rules and regulations pertaining to farm, environmental and 
occupational safety and health policy. His influence has assisted 
policymakers in creating a sound farm policy and farmers in accessing 
the farm programs available to help them.
  He is active in many professional organizations and has served as 
president of Memphis Agricultural Club and Memphis Society of 
Association Executives. He was named ``Man of the Year'' by the Memphis 
Agricultural Club in 1980. In 1986, Mr. Williams received the 
prestigious ``Man of the Year in Service to Arkansas Agriculture''.
  On behalf of Congress, I offer my friend, Cecil Williams, Jr., my 
deepest appreciation and gratitude for his tireless dedication and 
honorable service to the people of Arkansas and the field of 
agriculture.

                          ____________________