[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM ``SYKES'' HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2008

  Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of William 
``Sykes'' Harris of Warren, AR, who passed away January 15, 2008, at 
the age of 89.
  Sykes Harris was a true pioneer in the wood flooring business in 
south Arkansas. After nobly serving his country in World War II, he 
returned to his childhood home of Warren, where he began a lifetime in 
business making a positive impact on countless Arkansans through Wilson 
Oak Flooring, which he would successfully own and operate for nearly 25 
years.
  Although Sykes Harris had a career in business, his calling and real 
passion was in community development. The City of Warren and its 
residents were extremely fortunate to gain from his selfless gifts of 
time and energy to make his community a better place to live. He took a 
keen interest in seeing businesses flourish throughout Warren and 
Bradley County, and this was evident through his service in the Warren 
Rotary Club, the Warren Country Club and the Warren Bank and Trust 
Company.
  In addition, Sykes Harris was deeply honored to be appointed by then-
Governor Bill Clinton to serve on the board of trustees of the 
University of Arkansas in 1983. Upon completing his 10-year term, the 
City of Fayetteville recognized his invaluable contributions and 
efforts by naming him an honorary citizen and presenting him with a key 
to the city. When Sykes was not working in business or giving back to 
the community, he could be found relaxing and sitting on his floating 
duck blind in Arkansas City with any number of family and friends.
  I send my deepest condolences to his daughter, Sally Harris Barnett, 
of Casscoe, AR; his sister, Frances Harris Hedrick of Warren, AR; and 
to his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  Sykes Harris will be missed by his family, his community and all 
those who knew him and called him a friend. His focus on the community 
and his spirit of selfless service to others will never be forgotten. I 
will continue to keep his family in my deepest thoughts and prayers.

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