[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF CECIL JENNINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2007

  Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear 
friend, a dedicated coach, and a committed educator, Mr. Cecil 
Jennings, for his loyal service and devotion to the youth of America.
  As a public school teacher and coach, Cecil possessed an unwavering 
dedication to the community, the children of the public school system, 
and to any young person needing his help or his guidance.
  Cecil was bom in 1934 and lived in the Great Bridge area of 
Chesapeake, Virginia. A graduate of Great Bridge High School and East 
Tennessee State University, he began his teaching career in 1957 at 
Deep Creek High School and taught there for two years. He then went on 
to teach at his alma mater, Great Bridge Junior High School, and worked 
as a physical education teacher and also coached football, track, 
wrestling and softball. Cecil also participated as a baseball and 
basketball coach in recreational leagues and umpired Little League 
baseball games. He retired from Great Bridge High after 36 years of 
service to the community. However, even after his retirement he 
continued to be the personification of school pride and school spirit 
for the ``Wildcats'' of Great Bridge.
  In life, Cecil always carried himself with a positive attitude 
towards life and was well-known as an honorable individual with a big 
heart. He was well-respected by parents and people in the community. As 
a coach, Cecil had a philosophy that no one was cut from the team; he 
couldn't stand to cut his players because he saw in every child who had 
the willingness to try, an opportunity for success down the road. When 
he coached junior high football, usually 65 young men dressed for each 
game. ``Coach Jennings'' gave each child he coached the opportunity to 
be a winner, and carried that legacy throughout his career. Cecil 
mentored many students who, through his encouragement and devotion, 
found success in their education and in their lives. The stories of 
lives he touched and helped mold seem endless.
  Towards the end of his life, Cecil battled cancer, diabetes and 
severe arthritis. Even as he aged and his health deteriorated, he 
continued to nurture, encourage and support his family, friends, and 
the local sports teams. In one of his last visits with a close friend, 
he reflected upon the happiness and joy he felt for his family and his 
community. Even through his pain, his selfless compassion continued to 
shine.
  Cecil Jennings was a mentor, an honorable public servant and a dear 
friend to all who crossed in his path. I offer my sincerest condolences 
to his wife, Beth, their three children, Greg, Cecil, and Cissy, and 
five grandchildren, Brittany, Hailee, Alex, Christopher, and Emma. 
Cecil may no longer be with us, but the impact he made upon the 
community he loved is imprinted with the continuing legacy of thousands 
who made ``Cecil's Teams'' and whose lives were better for having done 
so.

                          ____________________