[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 23 (Monday, February 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING ELDRIDGE ``BUTCH'' WALKER

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 14, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Rolling Fork Mississippi, native, Eldridge (Butch) Walker. Eldridge 
Walker was educated in the public schools of Sharkey County, 
Mississippi. He studied at Worshem College School of Mortuary Science.
  Early in his career, Eldridge exhibited the traits of a true leader 
and activist. He became an active participant in the fight for others 
and remained focused on improving the quality of life for all Sharkey 
County, Mississippi, residents, particularly the disenfranchised, poor 
and vulnerable.
  Butch was the first black president of the Sharkey County Board of 
Supervisors. As supervisor he was responsible for bringing the first 
Win Job Center to Rolling Fork, MS. Butch served as mayor of Rolling 
Fork from 2003 to 2007. While serving in the capacity of Mayor, Butch 
founded the Mayor's Youth Council in 2006 and hosted the Annual 
Christmas Dinner for Senior Citizens and after his term was over he 
continues this tradition with his own funds and community 
contributions. Eldridge owns and operates the Mitchell L. Walker 
Funeral Home in Rolling Fork. He is dedicated to helping families at 
such a delicate time in life.
  He is a member of 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta, a deacon 
and lifelong member of Mt. Lula Missionary Baptist Church and president 
of the Sharkey-Issaquena Mass Choir for 14 years. He is also team lead 
for Sharkey/Issaquena Place Matters, a program that brings awareness to 
communities about health issues such as hypertension, diabetes and 
obesity. Eldridge is married to Anne Marie Bailey. Together, the couple 
have six children, Nickolaus, Kimberly, Ashley, Wendi, Robert and Kiara 
and three grandchildren Dyamone, Elaysia and Jace.

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