[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO WINFRED YOUNG ``CHUCK'' LORD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the exemplary life 
of a beloved and respected citizen of South Alabama, Mr. Winfred Young 
``Chuck'' Lord, who recently passed away at the age of 75.
  If we are truly fortunate, we may have an opportunity to get to know 
a person or two who is an inspiration in all that they do. Such people 
leave lifelong impressions on family and friends and their example 
calls us to be our best as well. To all who knew him, Chuck Lord was 
such an inspiration.
  A native of Atlanta and a longtime resident of Mobile, Chuck Lord 
embodied the qualities of hard work, dedication to family and devotion 
to faith that made this country great. Hard work met up with him at an 
early age. Beginning at age 13, he labored to support himself and, at 
17, he joined the Navy where he served for three years as a machinist 
aboard the USS St. Paul, a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser.
  After completing his duty to country, Chuck Lord returned to civilian 
life, taking a job at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in California. 
It was also in the Golden State that he met his future wife, Patricia. 
After a three-month courtship, they married, embarking on a journey 
that endured for 52 years.
  In 1974, they bought a small vacuum business in Mobile. Chuck's hard 
work and skill led A&A Vacuum to expand to new locations in Mobile and 
Fairhope, transforming the company into a regional institution.
  Chuck Lord was known as a fighter, giving his family and his business 
his full measure of attention even in the face of serious health 
conditions. Even as he recovered from heart transplant surgery, he 
insisted upon helping to run his business. Similarly, when he suffered 
kidney disease, he chose to undergo dialysis during the evenings so as 
not to interfere with his work schedule.
  Chuck Lord treated his customers with the same dutiful attention to 
detail, earning him the respect and friendship of many.
  On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I would like to extend my 
condolences to his wife Patricia, their children, Susan, Michael, 
Jenny, David, Dan, and Tony; their 28 grandchildren and two great 
grandchildren, and many friends. You are all in our prayers.

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