[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 JUDGE RICHARD B. ALLSBROOK POST OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 22, 2008

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great leader 
and powerful figure in North Carolina by naming the post office located 
at 725 Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina as the Judge 
Richard B. Allsbrook Post Office. Unfortunately, Judge Allsbrook passed 
away on October 26, 2007, just a few months before we were able to 
bestow upon him this great honor.
  Judge Allsbrook was a native of Halifax County, North Carolina--one 
of the largest and most populated areas of my congressional district. 
He was born in 1929 to State Senator Julian and Mrs. Frances Allsbrook.
  In his formative years, Richard Allsbrook attended Roanoke Rapids 
High School where he excelled academically. After graduating, Richard 
attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he 
received a bachelors of arts degree. He went on to attend law school at 
the prestigious University of North Carolina School of Law, and 
subsequently served for 4 years with the United States Navy as a second 
lieutenant.
  Mr. Speaker, after honorably serving his country in the military, 
Richard returned to Roanoke Rapids to practice law with his father in 
the firm of Allsbrook, Benton and Knott. During his 20 years as a 
practicing attorney, he always took time for his clients and worked 
diligently to ensure that they were represented to the best of his 
ability. His meticulous nature and even temperament served him well 
when he was appointed resident superior court judge for the Sixth 
Judicial District in 1978. Over the next 22 years, he tempered justice 
with mercy, earning a reputation as a fair, compassionate jurist. All 
those present in his courtroom--attorneys, defendants, jurors, 
witnesses and court personnel--consistently found him to be well-
prepared, respectful, and courteous. I had the privilege of practicing 
law before Judge Allsbrook on many occasions prior to my election as 
Resident Superior Court Judge when I became his colleague.

  After serving as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for over two 
decades, he retired in September 2000 and worked as a mediator in the 
North Carolina judicial system.
  Judge Allsbrook attended the Rosemary Baptist Church for over 50 
years. He was a dedicated deacon, trustee and Sunday School teacher 
where he worked to enrich each person with whom he came into contact. 
He was also dedicated to improving the community through his 
involvement in the Kiwanis Club where he served as president, and also 
the Roanoke Rapids Chamber of Commerce where he also served as 
president. Because of his dedication and commitment to the community, 
Judge Allsbrook received the Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award and 
also received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.
  Mr. Speaker, sadly, Judge Allsbrook's devoted and loving wife Barbara 
passed away in February of last year--just 8 months before Judge 
Allsbrook. Judge Allsbrook and his wife Barbara reared two children, 
Barbara Alison who resides in Roanoke, and Richard Jr., who resides in 
Boston.
  Judge Richard Allsbrook was indeed a pillar of the Halifax community. 
He was my dear friend and I am so proud to have known him. Roanoke 
Rapids, Halifax County, and the State of North Carolina is a better 
place because of Richard Allsbrook's sacrifices and contributions on 
behalf of so many.
  This legislation--H.R. 4211--has bipartisan support and is 
cosponsored by the entire North Carolina Congressional Delegation. It 
is my hope that my colleagues here in the House will join me and my 
North Carolina colleagues in voting ``aye'' on H.R. 4211.

                          ____________________