[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 105 (Thursday, July 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ``BILL'' GWATNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 2010

  Mr. BERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and 
work of Bill Gwatney, a public servant, faithful husband and father, 
and a true Arkansan, who worked tirelessly as the State Chair of the 
Arkansas Democratic Party, and previously as a State Senator for 10 
years. He was a man dedicated to public office, and is sorely missed by 
many. It is my humble request that we stand and recognize the life and 
work of Mr. William Gwatney.
  Over the past two decades, Bill Gwatney served the public good of 
Arkansas in one position or another. From 1993 to 2002, Bill served as 
an Arkansas State Senator, and also served as the financial chair for 
Mike Beebe's run for Governor in 2006. In 2008, he also received the 
honor of being selected as a superdelegate for the 2008 Democratic 
National Convention. When he was not directly involved in Arkansas 
politics Mr. Gwatney owned and managed three successful car 
dealerships.
  Bill was also honored by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock 
Athletic Department, who posthumously inducted him into their Hall of 
Fame.
  Bill was respected and loved by many as a man who appreciated 
integrity and honesty in his business, as well as in his personal life. 
Throughout his rise as a politician and successful businessman, Bill 
maintained a sense of humor, humility, passion, and respect for others 
that was magnetic to those around him.
  I wish Bill's family the deepest condolences for their loss, and hope 
they can find some comfort in the thought of what a powerful and 
positive impact Bill's personality had on those he met, and those that 
carry his memory on. He has left an indelible mark on the state of 
Arkansas, and I ask today of my fellow colleagues that we stand and 
honor the legacy of Mr. William Gwatney.

                          ____________________