[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 48 (Thursday, March 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MEMORY OF JOHN BARNETT WATERMAN II

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and, indeed, the entire 
state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor 
John Barnett Waterman II and pay tribute to his memory.
  A lifelong resident of Mobile, John graduated from the University of 
South Alabama in 1968 and was a member of the school's second 
graduating class. He was also a member of the university's first pledge 
class of the Sigma Chi fraternity. John earned a Bachelor of Science 
degree in finance and went on to pursue a successful career in 
investments.
  A proud patron of the arts, John was a supporter of the Mobile 
Symphony and also sponsored an annual scholarship for a Mobile 
graduating high school student to attend the Brevard School of Music.
  In 1919, with one ship and $2,000 capital, John's grandfather founded 
the Waterman Steamship Corporation, which grew to become the nation's 
largest family-owned steamship company. The company's headquarters 
housed the Waterman Globe, a local maritime icon. John was an ardent 
supporter of the refurbishing of the icon, which is now on display at 
the University of South Alabama's Mitchell Center.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. 
John Barnett Waterman II will be dearly missed by his family--his wife, 
Lynne Stanard Waterman; his daughter, Kemp Waterman Buntin and her 
husband, Jeffrey; his son, John Douglas Waterman; his sisters, Annise 
Waterman Uphaus and Melissa Waterman Inge; and his grandsons, Gaither 
Waterman Buntin and Thomas Rush Buntin--as well as the countless 
friends he leaves behind.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult 
time.

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