[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E99]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING WILLIE BRANDON ON A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

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                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 27, 2010

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Willie Brandon, an admired and respected citizen of 
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who lived and worked up until the age of 103. 
My hometown was saddened by Willie's passing on January 5, 2010.
  He was known for his kind heart, his wealth of knowledge, and his 
optimistic outlook on life. People said he would brighten their day 
just by talking with him for a few minutes. He expressed his admiration 
of Murfreesboro by knowing its history backward and forward, and his 
wisdom was conveyed through his past experiences and stories. Willie 
was considered a role model and friend to many.
  He began his life in Readyville, Tennessee, with his parents, Charles 
and Jimmie Brandon, and his sister, Lizzie. His parents were 
sharecroppers, but his father became a janitor when they moved to 
Illinois. At the age of 12, Willie dropped out of school to work and 
help support the family.
  For the next 91 years, Willie never quit working. He worked as a cook 
at the James K. Polk Hotel, City Cafe, Sewart Air Force Base, Lamb's 
Grill, and Po Folks Restaurant. He also picked blackberries, cut 
timber, and mowed grass. Willie took pride in his work, and his 
dedication was an inspiration to his coworkers.
  Over the last 30 years of his life, Willie was the keeper of the 
Rutherford County courthouse, a historical place many people pass 
through for business or sight-seeing. Willie could tell very personal 
stories about the courthouse and his family's history--150 years ago, 
his own grandfather, a slave, helped to build the courthouse and was 
later sold there.
  Willie's legacy lives on through his daughter, stepson, three 
granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and one great-great 
granddaughter. Supporting them through his continued employment is a 
testament to how much he loved them.
  Willie Brandon's life had a significant impact on everyone he met. He 
lifted their spirits, shared his wisdom, and gave them hope. He will 
always be remembered as an institution in Rutherford County and a 
luminary to all of his friends and family.

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