[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E677-E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING JAMES AND JEAN CANTRELL

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor James and 
Jean Cantrell, a couple who have dedicated themselves to their 
community and each other. The Cantrells were married in Lagrange, 
Georgia on April 8, 1951, and on Friday, April 8th, 2011 they will 
celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.
  Mr. Cantrell is the son of the late Elonzo and Bessie Cantrell. Mrs. 
Cantrell is the daughter of the late Douglas and Jewel Wright. They 
have four children, eight grand-children and two great grand-children. 
What a wonderful example of family values they represent.
  Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell have proven themselves to be dedicated 
community servants. Both have been deeply involved in positive civic 
and social activities over the years. Mr. Cantrell served his country 
faithfully in the United States Army. Mrs. Cantrell started a movement 
in the 1960's that was called Housewives for Fair Prices. This movement 
boycotted stores across Georgia that charged exorbitant prices for 
milk, resulting in lower costs for families.
  The Cantrell's have been active in Georgia politics for almost half a 
century. Mr. Cantrell served as Third Congressional District Chairman 
for the Democratic Party of Georgia while Jimmy Carter was President. 
Mrs. Cantrell served as the chairman of the Muscogee County Democratic 
Committee and the first woman to run for Mayor of Columbus, Georgia.
  However, their pursuits of public service and causes have been not 
just for themselves, but notably for others. When the Governor of 
Georgia decided to close the Warm Springs Hospital which was the 
Georgia rehabilitation site and home for the late President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt, both Cantrells led a petition drive to stop this action. As 
a result, the Governor changed his mind and the hospital remained open. 
They started the first St. Jude Children's radiothon in Columbus, 
Georgia and for 25 years it has been a stellar event, helping to raise 
millions of dollars for children with cancer.
  Moreover, through all of their family and community involvement, they 
have managed to build and grow a successful business called Action 
Buildings and Truck Styles. For over 32 years it has been one of the 
largest outdoor building manufacturing companies in Georgia and 
Alabama, with a manufacturing plant and 10 retail store locations. This 
is truly a family business and over the last few years, their four sons 
and other family have been involved in this enterprise.
  Throughout their lives, James and Jean Cantrell have been devoted 
Christians, attending Temple Baptist Church for many years. Their 
kindness and generosity exemplify their faith and their lives are truly 
God's love in action.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot think of another couple who have given so much 
of themselves to so many than James and Jean Cantrell. I cherish their 
friendship and support, without which, my own career in public service 
may never have begun nor survived. Therefore, on the occasion of their 
60th wedding anniversary, I am proud to salute them for their 
dedication to each other, their family, their church, and their 
community. We are all blessed that they have touched and enriched us 
all so fully. May God continue to bless them, as they have blessed us, 
in the weeks, months and years to come.

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