[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO FORMER ALABAMA STATE SENATOR PIERRE PELHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, last week, Alabama lost one of its 
luminaries--a gifted public servant who will be remembered not only for 
his articulate and persuasive oratory, but also for his many 
contributions to our region.
  Former State Senator Pierre Pelham of Mobile passed away on December 
3, 2009, at the age of 80.
  A native of Chatom, Alabama, Pierre Pelham was a scholar, a patriot, 
and an astute and skilled politician who was admired by many.
  Senator Pelham distinguished himself early in life as a Phi Beta 
Kappa graduate of the University of Alabama and went on to graduate cum 
laude from Harvard University Law School.
  He served his country during the Korean War, rising to the rank of 
Lieutenant in the Army. During his military service, he earned the 
Combat Infantryman and the Expert Infantryman badges.
  Back home in Alabama, he developed a passion for public service. He 
was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1960 and 1964, 
laying the groundwork for later public office. From 1966 to 1974, he 
represented Mobile in the Alabama State Senate. He attained the 
position of president pro tempore of the Alabama Senate while only in 
his second term.
  During his political career, Senator Pelham is credited with helping 
to establish the College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama 
in Mobile. Today, the USA College of Medicine plays a leading role in 
education and research to save the lives of thousands of Alabamians and 
others along the Gulf Coast.
  A Fellow of Harvard University's Kennedy Institute of Politics, 
Senator Pelham was widely known for his command of the political craft 
and the spoken word. He was formidable in his ability to persuade his 
colleagues during debate.
  Senator Pelham was also known for his deep, abiding faith and his 
lifelong membership and support of the Chatom United Methodist Church.
  I rise to extend my condolences to his wife, Eva, and four children, 
Joseph, Marc, Pier, and Patrice Pelham, and 12 grandchildren.
  May his family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this 
difficult time.

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