[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1279-E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF MR. ROBIN WHITLEY HOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 2010

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Robin Whitley Hood, who passed away on Sunday, June 27, in Raleigh, NC. 
Best known for the smile he brought to other's faces and his lifelong 
community involvement, Whitley will surely be missed.
  Robin Whitley Hood was born on January 1, 1932, in Johnston County to 
parents John Robert and Cleo Wood Hood. He attended Campbell College 
and graduated from Wake Forest University, where he was a member of 
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduation, Whitley established 
Robin Hood Enterprises Inc., which still flourishes today. His 
companies include Whitley Hood Insurance Agency,

[[Page E1280]]

Robin Hood Truck Stop and Restaurant, and Robin Hood Oil Company.
  In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mr. Hood served as 
mayor of the town of Benson from 1971-1979. He was instrumental in the 
development and growth of Benson, where he was a strong advocate for 
the community. He played a key role in developing a water line to 
Benson from the Neuse River and argued strongly for 1-40's current 
route near Benson over a counterproposal that would have taken it 
further north. He was named Benson's Citizen of the Year in 1973.
  Whitley remained an active member of the community long after his 
public service. He was a member of the Benson Lions Club, a past patron 
of Eastern Star, a member of the Benson Stock Club, a member of the 
Benson GBO, an active member of Benson Baptist Church and a past 
deacon. He was also a prominent Mason and Shriner.
  My best memories of Whitley involve his work as director of the Sudan 
Clowns for almost 50 years. Whitley loved to bring joy to people's 
faces and to spread laughs and good cheer to those he met. Many of the 
Dunn community are familiar with ``Happy'' the clown and the clown 
cards he would leave behind; I know that I will never forget the 
happiness he brought to those around him and I am sure his bright light 
will not soon be forgotten by others in our community.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring the 
life of Mr. Robin Whitley Hood, a beacon of his community and a true 
exemplar of civic involvement. May he even in passing bring a smile to 
his loved ones' faces for the wonderful legacy he has left behind.

                          ____________________