[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 25 (Friday, February 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E303]]
           HONORING THE MEMORY OF MR. RYAN deGRAFFENRIED, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Tuscaloosa 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.
  Former State Senator Ryan deGraffenried, Jr., was a devoted family 
man and dedicated community leader throughout his entire life.
  A graduate of the University of Alabama and the Cumberland School of 
Law at Samford University, Ryan represented the Tuscaloosa area in the 
Alabama Senate for 16 years, 7 of which he served in the Senate's 
highest position, president pro tempore.
  The last year and a half of his term, he became the Senate's 
presiding officer when Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr., ascended to the 
governor's office.
  Ryan's legacy in Alabama will certainly be his hard work and 
dedication, as well as the fact that his word was his bond.
  Make no mistake, the University of Alabama couldn't have had a better 
friend in the legislature than Ryan deGraffenried and the entire State 
watched with awe as he played a lead role in establishing the first 
auto assembly plant in Alabama, the Mercedes-Benz plant in nearby 
Vance.
  Ryan's political savvy, combined with his many friendships in the 
legislature, enabled him to ensure the economic incentives necessary to 
make the Mercedes deal a reality passed the legislature, and in so 
doing, he deserves the lion's share of credit for helping to create 
what is today Alabama's booming auto industry.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. Ryan 
deGraffenried, Jr., will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, 
Sandra Sims-deGraffenried and his children, William Ryan deGraffenried 
III and Frances Margaret deGraffenried--as well as the countless 
friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at 
this difficult time.

                          ____________________