[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7610-S7611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING EMORY FOLMAR
Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Emory
McCord Folmar, who passed away on Friday, November 11, 2011. Emory
lived a life dedicated to service to his country, holding many military
and civic leadership roles, and was a true inspiration to many. I am
glad to have known such a remarkable individual and fellow public
servant.
Emory Folmar was born on June 3, 1930, in Troy, AL. He graduated from
the University of Alabama with his B.S. in business and was a member of
Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Emory's career in the military began at
the University of Alabama as well. During his college years he served
as a cadet colonel of the Army ROTC. Upon graduating, Emory attended
parachute training and instructors' schools and was assigned to the
11th Airborne Division of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Army. During
his years of service in the military, Emory received the Silver Star,
the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart during his service in the Koren
war. He was a brave defender of
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the United States of America and continued his dedication to the
military throughout his career as a public servant.
In 1954, Emory moved to Montgomery, AL, where he began a successful
construction business with his brother, James Folmar and Henry Flynn.
His political career began in 1975 as president of the City Council
District 8, and then he served as mayor of Montgomery from 1977 to
1999. As mayor, Emory made great strides in developing the downtown
area and improving Montomgery's infrastructure. Staying true to his
military roots, Emory worked hard for the wellbeing of Maxwell and
Gunter Air Force Bases, which are vital to our national security and to
Alabama's economy.
Additionally, Emory worked on the Presidential campaigns of Ronald
Reagan and George H.W. Bush and ran for Governor of the State of
Alabama in 1982. He has earned the respect and admiration of his
colleagues, who have referred to him as the ``grandfather of the
State's modern Republican Party.''
Emory is loved and will be missed by his wife, Anita Pierce Folmar,
two children, Wilson Bibb Folmar III and Margaret Folmar Dauber, and
many more family members and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with
them as they mourn the death of a wonderful husband, father, friend,
community leader. He was a role model to many, and the citizens of
Alabama and of Montgomery are very fortunate to have benefited from his
commitment to public service as mayor for 22 years.
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