[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. EARL DURDEN

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with both great honor and 
humility that I rise to recognize the life of Mr. Earl Durden. After 18 
years, Earl succumbed to his battle with cancer and now rests in peace. 
Throughout his 78 years, Mr. Durden spent his days working as a 
community leader, and I am proud to honor his lifetime as a 
compassionate giver and visionary.
  Mr. Durden came from humble beginnings. He was born the son of a 
farmer outside of Dothan, Alabama, but became a powerful leader in the 
transportation industry. While he was a well known railroad magnate 
throughout Florida, Mr. Durden was perhaps best known as a local 
philanthropist and for his quiet charity. Earl Durden was a friend to 
many and was respected by even more. He was a man who always gave 
generously and has good deeds that will forever go unknown. Even during 
his fight with cancer, he never forgot what was important and what was 
worth living for.
  Earl Durden was a self-made man. He believed in being honest, working 
hard and making the most of life. His impressive list of 
accomplishments includes being named chairman of the state 
transportation commission under Governor Jeb Bush, CEO and Director of 
Rail Management Corporation and owner of Magic Broadcasting Company. At 
age 68, Durden was honored by being named one of the most influential 
people in Florida.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to recognize and honor the life of Earl Durden. The size of 
Mr. Durden's heart was only matched by his love for family. My wife 
Vicki and I express the deepest sympathies to his loving wife Karen and 
their three sons.

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