[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 83 (Friday, June 23, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1260-E1261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN LASTING MEMORY OF JOE PURCELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2006

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of Joe Purcell who passed away in 1987 at the age of 
63. On June 24, 2006, a memorial dedication ceremony will be held to 
memorialize Joe Purcell, one of the finest citizens and public servants 
that the city of Benton and the state of Arkansas have ever known. This 
dedication will recognize Purcell's legacy and life-long devotion to 
public service. Joe was an admired and cherished member of the Benton 
community and I would like to take a few moments to recognize his 
achievements.
  Joe Purcell was born on July 29, 1923, in Warren, Arkansas. After 
graduating from Little Rock Junior College, Joe served his country and 
entered the Army during World War II. After his time in the military, 
Joe attended the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he 
graduated in 1952. That same year, he began practicing law in Benton.
  Beginning in 1955, he served four years as city attorney in Benton. 
In 1959, Joe became Municipal Judge, a post he held until 1966 when he 
was elected Arkansas State Attorney General. Joe served two terms as 
Arkansas State Attorney General and went on to serve three productive 
terms as Lieutenant Governor. He also served as acting Governor of 
Arkansas from January 3rd through January 9th 1979, when then Senator 
David Pryor stepped down to serve in the U.S. Senate, before Bill 
Clinton was inaugurated as Governor. Joe also served as chairman of the 
Arkansas Democratic Party and was chairman of the state's Bicentennial 
Celebration in 1976.
  President Bill Clinton described Joe Purcell as ``a self-made man who 
represented honesty and integrity in public service.'' This quote is 
inscribed on a permanent marker that will

[[Page E1261]]

be unveiled at the Joe Purcell Memorial Dedication Ceremony. The marker 
will hold a special place of honor in front of the Old Federal Building 
in Benton, Arkansas.
  Joe Purcell spent a lifetime dedicated to the community of Benton and 
the betterment of the lives of others. While Joe may no longer be with 
us, the marker placed in his memory will remind others of his 
commitment to public service and pay tribute to a truly remarkable man. 
Joe was an admired and cherished member of the Benton, Arkansas 
community and his memory will continue to live on in the lives he 
touched and the accomplishments he achieved.

                          ____________________