[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING MR. FRANK EDWARD EMORY, SR. ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
                     RETIREMENT FROM ELECTED OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 12, 2011

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary American who has devoted his life to building the 
community in which he lives--Wilson County, North Carolina. As a 
passionate, empowering and inspirational leader, Frank Edward Emory, 
Sr. has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him.
  Mr. Emory is a native of Johnston County, North Carolina. He received 
his college education at A&T College--now A&T State University--in 
Greensboro, North Carolina. After completing his education, Mr. Emory 
became a distinguished extension agent and later served as assistant 
director of Urban Affairs at North Carolina State University.
  In 1970, Mr. Emory was elected to the City of Wilson Board of 
Education (later Wilson County Board of Education) and remained in this 
capacity until 1984 when he was elected to the Wilson County Board of 
Commissioners. He was the first African-American to serve on these 
boards.
  Mr. Emory has been a wonderful example of faith in God and community, 
and faith that we may someday realize a place where equality and 
opportunity flourish. He has been a special friend and leader who truly 
understands people and their issues. He is always ready to work with 
anyone willing to improve the total community.
  After 40 years of continuous service, Mr. Emory has decided to retire 
from elective office. And while his retirement will be a tremendous 
loss, Mr. Emory leaves a great legacy that will continue to enrich and 
strengthen the community for many years to come.
  Mr. Emory's remarkable tenure included the development and 
construction of numerous county facilities as well as the expansion and 
development of critical emergency services including emergency disaster 
response, centralized communications, rescue services, and full 
countywide paramedic services.
  Mr. Emory was a key leader in expanding recreation opportunities, 
improving services for seniors, enhancing cable television services, 
improving health care facilities and the county's road system.
  Mr. Emory has also been a strong and consistent supporter of economic 
development throughout the region, and a tireless advocate for 
improving education. He strongly supported funding for the Wilson 
County Public Schools and Wilson Community College. He also supported 
state and local bond issues for school and community college 
construction, which included the renovation of multiple schools and the 
construction of the Darden Middle School and the John W. Jones 
Elementary School.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to his countless gifts to our community, he 
has given me true friendship, by which I have been enormously honored. 
He has been married to Athalene Dancy Emory for more than 50 years. 
They are the proud parents of two sons, Frank, Jr. and Randolph, who 
have blessed them with four grandsons.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the commitment, 
dedication and success of Frank Edward Emory, Sr. on the occasion of 
his retirement from elective office.

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