[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E212-E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO CLAUDIE C. ROYAL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2010

  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Madam Speaker, in celebration of Black History Month, 
I want to recognize Claudie C. Royal for his dedication to the 19th 
Congressional District of Texas, as well as his leadership in honoring 
Black History Month in Abilene, Texas. Although Claudie passed away in 
2008, the Abilene community continues to carry on his memory and the 
initiatives he started.
  Claudie was born on February 15, 1945 in Marlin, Texas, and raised in 
Abilene where he graduated from Woodson High School. After high school, 
Claudie married his high school

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sweetheart, Lula, on April 13, 1964. He also attended Cisco Jr. College 
and was an active member of Plum Street United Methodist Church. For 
over 18 years, Claudie was employed by the Keebler Cookie Company.
  Abilene remembers Claudie for planning many community activities and 
for his boldness in executing these plans. He dedicated his life to the 
youth, the elderly, the truly disadvantaged and those in the community 
who were not being treated fairly. He encouraged others to become 
involved in the community.
  In 1980, Claudie organized an annual march honoring the late Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Today that annual march and associated 
activities are widely acknowledged and participated in by the citizens 
of Abilene. In 1981, Claudie was the driving force behind the 
development of a park constructed in the community of Pasadena Heights 
in Abilene. Through Claudie's influence, the park was named to honor 
Mr. Nelson Wilson, Sr., a community leader and long time resident of 
the city. In 1989, Claudie established H.O.P.E., a successful 
organization devoted to stopping and preventing youth drug use. In 
1995, he was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human 
Services Award. After his death, the Abilene City Council permanently 
named February 15 as Claudie C. Royal Day to honor him.
  Claudie was a strong Christian and family man. Claudie and Lula had 5 
children: Michael, Cedric, deceased, Michelle, Mitchell and Matthias 
Royal, and five grandchildren: Mylles, Michael Ryan, BriAnna, Myller, 
and Mylliah.
  During Black History Month, we pay tribute to generations of African 
Americans who struggled with adversity and made great contributions to 
shaping our Nation. We should keep in mind those who made a difference 
in their communities, and Claudie Royal truly made a difference in 
Abilene, Texas. The 19th Congressional District thanks Claudie for the 
imprint he left on his community. Even though he is no longer with us, 
we remember his devoted service to Abilene.

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