[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 2, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE WILLIAM DICKINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2008

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today 
to honor the memory of former Alabama Congressman William ``Bill'' 
Dickinson and his lifetime of dedication to the people of Alabama and 
the United States. I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Our 
Nation lost a wonderful friend and an individual who made countless 
contributions toward the betterment of America.
  A native of Opelika, Alabama, Bill enlisted in the Navy upon 
graduation from high school. He served from 1943 until 1946 before 
joining the Air Force Reserves. He graduated from the University of 
Alabama Law School in 1950 and was admitted to the bar that same year. 
He returned to his hometown of Opelika and practiced law there until 
1952 when he became an Opelika city judge. Two years later, he became 
judge of Lee County Court of Common Pleas and of the Juvenile Court 
before becoming a judge on the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Alabama in 
1958. In 1962, Bill was named assistant vice president of the Southern 
Railway System and moved to Montgomery.
  A lifelong conservative Democrat, Bill changed parties in 1964 and 
ran as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives for Alabama's 
Second District. In so doing, he was part of the Barry Goldwater sweep 
in Alabama that propelled five Republican congressional candidates to 
victory in what had previously been solid Democratic country.
  Bill Dickinson went on to serve 13 consecutive terms in Congress and 
was a leading advocate for a strong national defense. He served as 
ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, and from this 
position, he was a staunch supporter of increased military funding and 
halting the spread of communism throughout the world. He was also a 
fierce protector of military bases vital to Alabama's economy.
  Madam Speaker, we are privileged to have known such a passionate and 
loyal individual, and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering 
this dedicated public servant. Congressman Dickinson will be deeply 
missed by his family--his wife, Barbara; their four children, 
Christopher Dickinson, Michael Dickinson, Tara Dickinson Sherer, and 
William Dickinson, Jr.; and their five grandchildren--as well as the 
countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with 
them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________