[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH BRYANT RAYNOR, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2006

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, January 29, Camp Ground United 
Methodist Church held a special celebration to honor the life and 
service of Senator Joseph Bryant Raynor, Jr. I rise today to join the 
pastor, staff, members, and friends of Camp Ground to pay tribute to 
this fine public servant for his 22 years of work as a State 
representative and senator. Senator Raynor's tremendous spirit, 
dedication and work as an elected official and member of the 
Fayetteville, NC, community has positively impacted citizens and 
communities and will live on in the hearts and minds of generations to 
come.
  Born and raised in Fayetteville, Senator Raynor demonstrated his 
strong work ethic from a very early age. During high school, he worked 
as a bagger at Efirds Department Store. Following graduation, Joe went 
to work as a stockroom clerk at Hunter Brothers Appliance Store and 
then as a ticket agent with the Queen City Coach Company. In 1946, he 
joined his uncle's tire business where his hard work paid off. Just 6 
years after joining the family business, Joe was able to buy his 
uncle's interest and assume ownership of the company. More than 60 
years later, Raynor Supply Company continues to thrive.
  Senator Raynor began his memorable career in public service in 1965 
when he successfully ran for the North Carolina State Legislature. 
During his public career, Senator Raynor championed many important 
issues, including mental health, veterans and law enforcement. Senator 
Raynor was largely responsible for establishing a State-run veterans' 
assisted living facility in Fayetteville, the Cumberland County Mental 
Health Center, and a program to help families of police officers killed 
in the line of duty.
  Throughout his career, Senator Raynor held numerous membership and 
leadership positions. He served on the Commission for the Study of 
Alcoholism and the Commission for the Study of Mental Retardation and 
Mental Health. He was the chairman of the North Carolina House and 
Senate Committee on Mental Health, the Senate Committee on Law 
Enforcement, and the Cumberland County Board of Elections. 
Additionally, he was appointed a Cumberland County special deputy 
sheriff under four administrations.
  From his service as both a State representative and senator to local 
businessman to active member of Camp Ground United Methodist Church to 
devoted husband, father and friend, Joe Raynor has truly been a 
foundation on which Fayetteville and Cumberland County have continued 
to flourish. Service to others has been the embodiment of Senator 
Raynor's life--service that sets a path for others to follow and that 
we should all emulate.
  As we approach President's Day, let each of us remember the words of 
a great President, Thomas Jefferson, who said, ``To do our fellow man 
the most good, we must lead where we can, follow where we cannot, and 
still go with him always watching for that favorable moment to help him 
another step forward!''
  We thank Senator Raynor, on behalf of the citizens of southeastern 
North Carolina, for always looking for that favorable moment and always 
helping his fellow citizens. May God's strength, joy and peace be with 
him always.

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