[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 62 (Thursday, April 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING FORMER NORTH CAROLINA SENATOR JOSEPH BRYANT RAYNOR, JR.

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                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 2010

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Senator Joseph 
Bryant Raynor, Jr. for his continued service to his community, county 
and State.
  Born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, Senator Raynor learned early the 
value of hard work. Joe, like myself, grew up working on a farm and in 
his father's store stocking farm supplies and groceries. While 
attending 71st School in Fayetteville, Joe was active in Future Farmers 
of America (FFA) and also worked an after school job as a baggage boy 
at Efird's Department Store. After graduation he pursued a career in 
business, eventually leading him to start Raynor Business Supply 
Company, which has thrived for over 60 years.
  In addition to being a successful businessman, Joe Raynor served in 
the North Carolina General Assembly for 22 years. First in the House, 
and then in the Senate, Joe strongly supported the criminal justice 
system and advocated for law enforcement and first responders. Serving 
as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Law Enforcement and Crime 
Control, he introduced bills to benefit law enforcement, including 
subsidizing losses for families of police officers slain in the line of 
duty. He also found innovative, fiscally responsible ways to help the 
community, supporting halfway houses with his ``nickel a bottle tax'' 
on liquor sales, and expanding community efforts treat those suffering 
from alcohol addiction. After more than two decades of focusing his 
energies on serving police officers, the mentally ill, and the elderly, 
Joe Raynor retired from the General Assembly in 1992.
  Throughout his life Senator Raynor has served on a number of boards, 
commissions and committees in North Carolina, notably his position as 
Cumberland County Special Deputy Sherriff and Chairman of the 
Cumberland County Board of Elections. He has served the people of 
Cumberland County, the Sheriff's Department and the first responder 
community for over 50 years and has made a lasting impression on his 
county and the face of the North Carolina criminal justice system.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
the service and achievements of a good friend and former colleague of 
mine, Senator Joseph Bryant Raynor, Jr. He is a hard-working man and a 
beacon of justice and service. Like many of my fellow North 
Carolinians, I am proud to call Joe Raynor my friend.

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