[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1334-E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE MEMORY OF MASSEY PALMER BEDSOLE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, the city of Mobile and, indeed, the entire 
State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor 
him and pay tribute to his memory.
  Born in Mobile on July 21, 1928, Massey Palmer Bedsole, Jr., 
graduated from University Military School and then Virginia Military 
Institute. Upon graduation from V.M.I., Palmer served 2 years as an 
infantry officer, 1 year as an intelligence officer and later, in 
Korea, during the Korean War.
  As a native of Mobile, Palmer was known by many as a champion of the 
arts, civic leader and philanthropist.
  For many years, he was the chairman of the J.L. Bedsole Foundation, 
which focuses primarily on civic projects. Among other things,

[[Page E1335]]

the foundation funds a scholarship program that provides assistance for 
area students from southwest Alabama to go to college, and also runs 
the MLK Avenue Redevelopment Corporation, which assists housing 
construction in lower income neighborhoods in and around Mobile.
  In addition to these programs, the foundation also supports the 
Centre for the Living Arts, which was founded by Palmer and his lovely 
wife, Ann.
  Palmer Bedsole was awarded the 2004 Outstanding Citizen Award of 
Mobile because of his creation and involvement with the Centre for the 
Living Arts. This center operates Space 301, an art gallery in the 
former Mobile Press-Register building, as well as the historic Saenger 
Theater. Palmer was a driving force behind the renovations of this 
Mobile landmark.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader, a successful businessman, a respected 
farmer and true friend to many throughout Alabama and around the 
country.
  At 6 feet 6 inches, Palmer Bedsole was not only a tall man, but he 
was big in heart and generous in spirit. Naturally, he will be missed 
by his family--his wife of 48 years, Ann Smith Bedsole; his children, 
Raine Bedsole, George Demmas, Mary Martin Riser and John Henry Martin; 
and his grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves 
behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________