[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E17]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BERYLE R. READ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Beryle R. Read, a resident of my Fifth Congressional District of 
Florida and a man who has become something very few of us ever will. In 
November of this year, Mr. Read will become a centenarian and at nearly 
100, he is a father to one child, and a grandfather to three 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Read was born in Nashville, TN, but went to school in Indiana, 
Illinois and Washington, DC. Following school, he worked for the 
government for 32\1/2\ years. He describes his happiest moment as going 
with his father to sell peaches in Indiana as a child. His favorite 
activities today are helping his wife cook, reading, and doing 
crossword puzzles.
  Mr. Read says he likes living in Hernando County because it has a 
small town feel but a close proximity to valuable services and stores. 
When asked what advice he'd give to young people today he said, ``Avoid 
dirt, debt and the devil.'' He says the best thing about growing older 
is having 39 years of mental and physical health to enjoy retirement.
  Mr. Speaker, and my colleagues, I ask that you join me in honoring 
Beryle Read today. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long 
as he has and the ability to enjoy it as he has. He is truly a great 
man and someone with an appreciation for the importance of hard work.

                          ____________________