[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MR. CURTIS PARHAM REDDING

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man 
who has tirelessly dedicated his life to bettering his community. At 
the age of 74, Mr. Curtis Parham Redding, also known as C.P., is 
retiring as a Quitman County, Georgia Commissioner. He has served his 
community faithfully while blazing new trails for those who would 
follow him.
  C.P. was born in Quitman County to proud parents, Curtis Lowe and Ora 
Inez Green Redding. As the eldest of three children, he quickly learned 
about dedication to family, service to nation, and responsibility. 
Quitman County is located on the banks of Lake Walter F. George in 
rural Southwest Georgia. The citizens of Quitman County are known for 
their strong work ethic and sense of self sufficiency and regional 
pride, and C.P. was no exception. With the exception of a few years, 
C.P. lived his entire life in Quitman County and was raised to love and 
respect his hometown. After graduating from Georgetown High School, 
C.P. recognized his love for politics and most importantly people. 
Realizing the town lacked social services, educational services, and 
basic services any citizenry would require, he began working hard to 
become a Quitman County Commissioner in 1975. During his first tenure 
as a Commissioner, he served for two years. Recognizing the need for 
involvement and higher basic educational standards for the County, he 
was then appointed to the Quitman County School Board where he served 
until 1994. C.P. was again elected to the Quitman County Commission and 
took office on January 1, 1996 and during this tenure, Quitman County 
achieved each of the goals C.P. established.
  Although C.P. has decided to retire, his vision for Quitman County 
has not ended. C.P. has always believed that for small counties to 
flourish, it would be through organized coalitions. To this end, he has 
become active in creating and serving on Boards such as: Four County 
Economic Development Authority (Past Chairman), Southwest Georgia 
Chamber of Commerce (Past Chairman), and Southwest Georgia Housing 
Development Board just to name a few. He and his wife of fifty-five 
years, Annie Ruth Holmes who is the retired Director of the Quitman 
County Department of Family and Children's services, selflessly 
continue to devote their services to the advancement of Quitman County.
  As an enduring testament of his dedication to his community and 
fortitude as a public servant, bids are currently being taken for the 
construction of a building to house the Quitman County Health Services 
since they have outgrown their present facility. Serving the needs of 
his community remains paramount to C.P. Redding.
  Today, we thank and honor Mr. Curtis Parham Redding for his 
dedication and lifelong commitment to the welfare of others and his 
community. His lifetime of altruistic service has made him a legend in 
Southwest Georgia and an inspirational figure for us all.

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