[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE MEMORY OF RAY-RAY RUSSELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 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 the memory of Ray-Ray Russell.
  A native of Mobile, Ray-Ray graduated from Williamson High School in 
the Maysville community and earned a Bachelor's Degree in communication 
from Alabama State University.
  In 1996, Ray-Ray returned to Mobile and started working for WBLX-FM 
radio. He was host of the station's long-running radio show, ``The Gulf 
Coast Wake-up Party.'' For years, listeners across the central Gulf 
Coast tuned in every morning for Ray-Ray to help them start their day. 
He also broadcast Friday night high school football games for Comcast's 
Port City 6.
  However, Ray-Ray's contributions extended far beyond the airwaves. He 
started the Rolling Reader program, in which disc jockeys read to 
elementary school children. In fact, Ray-Ray read to Mobile and Baldwin 
County classes at least once a week. He also participated in a number 
of charity events.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. Ray-
Ray Russell was an outstanding example of the quality of individuals 
who have devoted their lives to the field of broadcast journalism, and 
at the age of 42, he was taken from us too soon.
  On behalf of all those who have benefited from his generous spirit, 
permit me to extend thanks for his many efforts in making Mobile and 
south Alabama a better place. Ray-Ray will be deeply missed by his 
family--his seven children and his seven brothers and sisters--as well 
as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are 
with them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________