[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MR. JOHN ISSAC LEE OF HICKOX, GA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2003

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
honor Mr. John Isaac Lee today. Mr. Lee is a champion of education as 
well as a devoted husband and father. John is the longest serving 
member of the Brantley County Board of Education and will be retiring 
after 36 years of service at the end of this term. It is for his 
service to the State of Georgia and the people of Brantley County that 
I wish to thank him, and I can think of no better place to honor him, 
than within these great walls of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  John Lee was first nominated to be on the Brantley County Board of 
Education by Mrs. Mabel Moody and elected by grand jury on October 1, 
1968. From that time until now, he has served in this capacity 
continuously, with not one break in service. In fact, during his 34 
year tenure, he has missed only one regularly scheduled meeting; which 
was when he decided that he would attend his son's graduation from the 
University of Georgia. Mr. Lee has believed in his commitment to the 
students that he served. It is only fitting that when John decided to 
have hip replacement surgery on both of his hips, he made sure that the 
surgery and recovery would not conflict with any of his duties as a 
board member.
  The students and teachers that live in Brantley County all know how 
wonderful Mr. Lee is, Mr. Speaker. But probably none know as well as 
his family that loves him so dearly. In addition to being a county 
school board member, John Lee was married to Mrs. Eula Mae Herrin for 
58 years before she passed away, unfortunately, on October 16, 1998. 
Together they raised 3 sons and 3 daughters, and John is the proud 
grandfather of 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. They can all 
be proud of John and join with me in celebrating his life and thanking 
him for his tireless service.
  It is hard to imagine that someone could commit 36 years of their 
life to one cause and do it so well. But John Lee has done that as a 
member of the Brantley County education board, and he has done it with 
great humility. I am glad that Mr. Lee will now be able to relax and 
enjoy his life as a simple farmer, which is his natural profession, 
having farmed all of his life. He is a deacon and member of Hickox 
Baptist Church, and it is high time that he be able to enjoy the days 
in Hickox, GA. He has earned his time to rest, and the entire State of 
Georgia is indebted to him and his service. Thank you John Lee, you 
have meant more to the people of Brantley County than you could know, 
and you will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________