[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 28 (Monday, March 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING RICHARD PARSONS

 Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, on February 16, 2004, a good 
friend of mine and a distinguished farm leader from my State was a 
victim of heart failure. At the age of 56, Richard Lynn ``Rick'' 
Parsons died at his home in Vance, MS, where he managed a family 
farming operation and served in numerous capacities of leadership for 
his community and the State.
  Rick was a native of Water Valley, MS. He was an elder at the Sumner 
Presbyterian Church and a member of the local Rotary Club. In 2001, he 
was appointed by President George W. Bush and served with distinction 
as a member of the State Farm Service Agency Committee, which oversees 
the implementation of Federal farm programs in Mississippi. Rick was 
also a leader in Delta Council and the National Cotton Council, in 
addition to being on the Board of Directors of Delta Wildlife and Delta 
F.A.R.M., which are local organizations that promote wildlife 
conservation on the farm.
  Additionally, Rick Parsons was selected to represent Mississippi as a 
finalist in the Southeastern Farmer of Year competition, and he was 
elected by his peers to serve on the board of directors for the 
successful Mississippi Boll Weevil Management Program and the Cotton 
Leadership Program for the National Cotton Council.
  Rick was an unselfish and dedicated leader on behalf of agriculture 
in Mississippi. My office always relied on his sound judgment and good 
counsel in matters which affected farmers. We extend to his wife 
Carlisle, his son Scott, and the entire Parsons family our sincerest 
condolences.

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