[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E259-E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO FREDDIE BRYANT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2006

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise here today 
to commemorate a remarkable man, Mr. Freddie Bryant, on ninety years of 
endurance, patience, and strength of character. His selfless acts have 
touched so many, especially his twelve children, who thrived under his 
guidance and cherish the wonderful memories of growing up in Freddie's 
home.
  Freddie has been a hard worker his entire life. He took on family 
responsibilities at the age of seven when his father moved to Hughes, 
Arkansas, and continues to plant a garden and raise livestock to this 
day. Although he only has a seventh grade education, he has an 
equivalent of a Ph.D. degree in agriculture, teaching, leadership, 
business, counseling, and theology.
  According to Freddie's family--he does it all. He continues to sow 
and reap his land where he built the house, barn, and pasture from 
trees he cut down himself. Freddie always has a way to make a situation 
work. He would walk for miles with his old horse Pearl and a cotton 
sack on his back to feed his twelve children. When his eldest child 
wanted to attend college, he took a job at the granary in Helena, 
Arkansas, until he could send every one of his kids to college. To this 
day, whenever he meets a stranger, he always says ``let me tell you 
about my children.''
  His children remember his ambition and sacrifice with such 
admiration. They remember the smells of childhood that bring them back 
so fondly to the shack in Lexa, Arkansas. Many events happened in this 
home that helped them grow into notable members of society. Throughout 
it all, it was in the arms of a loving father that guided them in the 
right direction.
  Freddie Bryant has been married to the former Josephine Dunlap of 
Lexa, Arkansas, for 67 years. Josephine is a valiant woman, whose 
determination to raise her family goes unmatched.
  On March 11, 2006 the community will meet to honor and celebrate the 
90th birthday of

[[Page E260]]

this simple yet great man who only refers to himself as ``Fanny's 
Boy.'' I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join 
me in wishing Freddie many more years of happiness, and thanking him 
for his service as a great father and great American.

                          ____________________