[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. WILLIE BRANDON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Willie Brandon, who will celebrate his 103rd birthday on June 12, 2009.
  As a young boy, Willie and his sister Lizzie grew up in Readyville, 
Tennessee. His parents, Charles and Jimmie Brandon, were sharecroppers. 
At the age of 12, his father moved the family to Illinois where he 
worked as a janitor. To help his father support the family, Willie 
dropped out of school to work.
  Willie credits his long life to the fact he's never quit working. For 
many years, he worked as a cook at the James K. Polk Hotel, City Cafe, 
Smyrna Air Force Base, Lamb's Grill, and Po Folks. He also picked and 
sold blackberries, cut and sold timber, and cut grass.
  Willie is now the keeper of the Rutherford County courthouse, a 
historical place many people pass through, whether for business or to 
sightsee. He is the caretaker of the same steps on which, more than 150 
years ago, his grandfather Jim Brewer was sold as a slave and sent to 
Virginia.
  Willie has a daughter, Anne, and one of his proudest achievements is 
that she earned a college degree. Willie also has a stepson, three 
granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and one great-great 
granddaughter.
  Willie's service to his community throughout his life is truly 
admirable. Willie, you're a great man and you have given us all someone 
to look up to.

                          ____________________