[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF MR. TRUMAN GLASSCO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that we mourn the 
death of Mr. Truman Glassco, who recently passed away at the age of 73. 
I am honored to stand before this body of Congress and this Nation to 
recognize this wonderful man.
  Truman, a lifelong resident of Boaz, AL, in Marshall County, was born 
in 1931. Known by all as a wise, humble, loving, generous and prayerful 
man, his significant contributions to society fell primarily in three 
areas: Christian Fellowship, Community Service, and Education.
  Truman dedicated so much of his life to spreading the Gospel through 
his commitment to the Alabama State Gospel Singing Convention and the 
Bethany Baptist Church. He was an active member of the Alabama State 
Gospel Singing Convention for over 40 years, serving in various 
positions including President in 1972 and 1989 and subsequently serving 
on the Board of Trustees from 1992 until his death this year. Also, the 
congregation of his church benefited tremendously from his service as 
deacon for 45 years, a Sunday school teacher for 38 years, and as Choir 
Director for 17 years. As if this is not impressive enough, he also 
served as the President of the Alabama School of Gospel Music from it's 
inception in 1986 until his death.
  Mr. Glassco demonstrated outstanding leadership to the Boaz community 
as well. He held various offices in the Boaz Chamber of Commerce 
including President for 4 years and Secretary for 18 years. The Chamber 
further recognized his contributions to society when it selected Truman 
as their ``Man of the Year'' in 1987 and ``Educator of the Year'' in 
1985. He was a long-time member of the Boaz Civitan Club, serving as 
President and holding various other offices. The Civitan Club 
recognized Truman's achievements by voting him ``Man of the Year'' in 
1974.
  After earning three masters degrees, Truman served 38 years in public 
education, 22 years as a principal and 8 years as Assistant 
Superintendent of Education. Snead College named him ``Alumnus of the 
Year'' in 2004, an honor which was accepted posthumously by his wife, 
Dr. Bobbie Glassco. Although he never had children of his own, he was 
lovingly called ``Papa Truman'' by hundreds of young people.
  The town of Boaz, Alabama benefited tremendously from Truman's 
kindness and selfless service to his fellow citizens. I had the 
privilege of first meeting Truman Glassco and his wife Bobbie as a 
young boy at Antioch Baptist Church in Marion County Alabama at a 
convention singing. Many people can tell you that he was a ``real 
Christian man who made a real Christian difference in an indifferent 
world.'' I could not agree more. My thoughts and prayers continue to go 
out to his wife Bobbie, along with his family and friends. Yes, Gospel 
Music lost a dear friend when it lost Truman Glassco.

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