[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S5695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING CEDRIC ERROLL FLOWERS, JR.

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Cedric 
Erroll Flowers, Jr., my dear friend who passed away on May 25, 2010.
  Cedric was born and raised in Sumter County, AL, where he attended 
Demopolis High School. There, he developed an interest in English 
literature and world history, as well as a passion for music. He 
devoted his ample talents to the piano and the clarinet, the latter of 
which he played for the Demopolis High School concert band. This is 
remarkable given his failing, and eventual loss of, eyesight. Despite 
his blindness, Cedric excelled in high school.
  Following graduation from Demopolis High School in 1951, Cedric 
enrolled at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind where he 
pursued his love of music. Without eyes to guide him, Cedric studied 
and mastered the art of piano tuning by ear. It was also at the Alabama 
Institute for the Deaf and Blind where he met Sue Akel, whom he would 
later marry in 1962.
  After earning his degree from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and 
Blind, Cedric took his newly acquired skills to Savannah, GA, where he 
cared for all the pianos within the Chatham County and Savannah City 
Schools. In 1954, he came back to Alabama where he performed this same 
invaluable service for the concert series program at my alma mater, the 
University of Alabama.
  In 1964, Cedric opened his own business, Flowers Piano Company. Known 
as the ``People Who Know Pianos,'' Flowers Piano Company began as a 
specialty piano retail store and a service-based enterprise. For many 
years, Cedric, who was also instrumental in founding the Tuscaloosa 
Music Merchants Association, served as the exclusive local dealer of 
high-end pianos in the Tuscaloosa area. As his business flourished, 
Cedric expanded the store's inventory to include band instruments and 
sheet music and offer beginner piano lessons.
  Cedric's passion for tending to pianos did not cease with the 
establishment of his company. His skills as a Master Concert Tuner/
Technician served the Piano Technicians Guild and the National 
Association of Music Merchants well. In fact, while continuing to serve 
and provide equipment to the University of Alabama, he worked with 
artists and musical groups who performed in and around Tuscaloosa and 
Birmingham. His expertise and precision benefitted music and 
entertainment throughout Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties.
  Cedric also served the Tuscaloosa community as a deacon at the First 
Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa and a volunteer for many music and 
art-related endeavors and causes.
  A faithful member of the University of Alabama family, Cedric never 
missed game day play-by-play radio coverage of the Crimson Tide. I can 
only imagine how happy he was to hear the sweet sound of the Million 
Dollar Band playing ``Yea, Alabama'' in the Rose Bowl following the 
Tide's BCS National Championship victory this past January.
  I was fortunate to have known Cedric during his time here, and I 
mourn his passing. He is loved and respected throughout our community 
and will be missed by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sue, and his 
daughter, Marcia. I ask the entire Senate to join me in recognizing and 
honoring the life of my friend, Cedric Erroll Flowers, Jr.

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