[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2061-E2062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ROBERT LEE MATHIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LARRY KISSELL

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2011

  Mr. KISSELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert 
Lee Mathis, who recently passed away at the age of 77. Robert was the 
first African American to be elected to public office in Concord, North 
Carolina, and led a life of service dedicated to his community and his 
country.
  A native of Cabarrus County, Robert Mathis joined the U.S. Navy after 
school where he served our nation honorably. Robert volunteered to put 
his life on the line in order to protect the American people and 
American values. He continued to live his life with this same kind of 
selflessness even after his military service came to an end.
  Upon returning to Cabarrus County, Robert Mathis was elected to the 
Concord Board of Alderman, where he served for more than 15 years. 
Robert was the first African American to be elected to public office in 
Concord, making his election a landmark achievement for African 
Americans in my district. Even as Robert was holding local office and 
making history, this was still not enough. Robert was additionally a 
board chairman for the nonprofit Logan

[[Page E2062]]

Daycare Center and an active member of the First Christian Church in 
Concord. He wrote a book about his life that was published in 2010 
titled I Made the Best of It.
  Such an upstanding, dedicated local leader will be missed by his 
friends, family, and community. Robert is survived by his wife, four 
children, nineteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to them in this time of deep loss; I hope 
the memories and principles that Robert Mathis lived his life by bring 
them comfort. Robert will be missed by his community and his country. I 
am honored to be able to recognize the life of such a selfless, 
upstanding individual as Robert Lee Mathis today before Congress and 
our great nation.

                          ____________________