[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2292-S2293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING BRANNON WOODHAM

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, Brannon Woodham was one of the 
finest people I have ever known. He combined a deep and mature 
Christian faith, a love of family that constantly showed itself in his 
conversations and actions, a rich appreciation of the exceptional 
nature of his country which he had faithfully served for so many years, 
and a loyalty to his friends and church.
  We were in the same Sunday School class for over 30 years. Ever 
positive and welcoming, he was one of the constants--a rock really--
that set the class's tone and direction. This fellowship and spiritual 
journey meant much to him and enriched his classmates.
  That on this day Brannon would want no pomp and circumstance, there 
can be no doubt. But, if it were done, he would say better it be done 
quickly, and, importantly, honestly because he was indeed an honest 
man. In fact, I think he would want me to express his love to all of 
you and to note--what we already know--that if his honesty had offended 
anyone, he would ask pardon, shaking his head ruefully saying he 
couldn't help it, that was just the way he was made.
  In Sunday School class, he was a wise and perceptive participant. He 
had great spiritual depth, Scriptural knowledge, and mature beliefs. He 
did not speak too often but when he had something to say, he said it--
in plain words. Often his wit brought a burst of laughter--usually 
because he had hit the nail on the head. As Jesus might say, ``You are 
close to the kingdom, brother.'' Importantly, those beliefs that he 
stated, he lived.
  Mary and I were honored to be among his friends and were always 
pleased to have his invitation to his home in the woods when he hosted 
his storied church supper club. That was a special time of food and 
fellowship, on his bridge, getting a tour of his workshop--to be at 
``his place,'' which he had shared with his beloved Ursula, his partner 
for 48 years, and to have a direct look into the heart of a great man 
who lived a good life.
  Mary and I often enjoyed lunch with Brannon after church at the 
Whistle Stop or some such place. In those conversations, his principles 
shone through and he would talk with pride and joy of his children, 
grandchildren, the baseball games, going to Auburn, working together. 
They had a unique bond.
  Brannon believed in honesty and hard work--the Protestant ethic, if 
you will, for which he made no apology.
  Politically, he was not a party man, following, I suppose, the best 
traditions of good civil servants. But he was an encourager to me. He 
wanted me to be a ``statesman,'' not a politician. I would indeed feel 
very badly if I had failed him in this regard.
  You may not know that he was an excellent writer. He wrote me many 
handwritten letters--long ones--that I cherish. They were filled with 
wisdom, good values, sound policy ideas, and what he was hearing from 
the community. A year or so ago, he gave me a copy of a plan he helped 
write some 40 years ago as part of a committee for the development of 
Mobile. He was proud of their work, and indeed their concepts and 
vision are still valid today.
  His accomplishments are many. One of his most important was the 
critical role he played in the 'growth and character of Ashland Place 
United Methodist Church for four decades.
  As a Southeastern Conference champion wrestler at Auburn, he 
demonstrated courage, strength, and discipline. There are just two in 
the ring and only one winner. He was a consistent winner.
  I have come to understand the importance of our top civilian 
personnel at our military bases. Generals come and go but able 
civilians keep the bases running. Our civilian leaders are crucial to 
our military's success, and they are promoted on merit and on 
performance. At Robbins Air Force Base, Brannon led the avionics 
section that consisted of some 2,300 personnel. A place where errors 
are not allowed.
  I visited him in the hospital, not long after his heart surgery. I 
thought he looked good, and he felt confident. But Brannon was no 
Polyanna. He was a realist. His words and manner conveyed that he well 
knew that he had had serious surgery, that nothing was guaranteed, and 
in the scheme of things life is short--``but a vapor'' the Scripture 
says.
  Daughter Ursula says later on during his final illness, and as he 
weakened, he knew the end was near and he was at peace. Of that I have 
no doubt. See, he knew he had had a good life of family and friends. He 
had done his best to be true. He was confident in his salvation. He 
felt blessed. And right he was.
  So we celebrate honestly this remarkable and good man: a champion and 
fearless wrestler; a great leader at one of our Nation's military 
bases; a

[[Page S2293]]

pillar of his church; a faithful and loving husband; an example to all 
in love of family; a man of principles and conviction; a man of 
courage, honesty, and honor; but humble, encouraging, and loving.
  His values represent the highest and best of our faith, and of our 
Nation. His family has received a great legacy--which to their credit 
they fully recognize--and we, his friends, a true lesson in how to live 
a ``good'' life.
  Well done, good friend.

                          ____________________