[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING OTIS A. BRUMBY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2012

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, there is a time-old saying that 
one can either be respected or loved, but not both, and that leaders 
should always strive towards the former. As one of the most beloved and 
well-regarded leaders in our community, though, and as only Otis could, 
he managed to be both.
  My family moved to Marietta in 1975 and, like so many families, we 
got to know the Brumbys through Marietta City schools. Our children 
were in the same grades, played on the same sports teams, and went to 
one another's birthday parties. One of our daughters, Phyllis, was 
particularly close to Betsy Brumby. They were, as we called it, 
``spend-the-night'' friends. Just like he and Martha Lee, their 
children were respectful and well-liked by everyone. Their son, Otis 
III (``Little O'') became the starting quarterback for the Marietta 
Blue Devils. My wife and I know how proud Otis and Martha Lee were on 
those Friday nights at Northcutt Stadium.
  Otis was deeply involved in and steadfastly dedicated to Marietta 
schools. He was a staunch supporter of the Marietta School Board and, 
for a time, was a member himself. I began my political career on the 
Marietta School Board and have always admired his commitment to our 
local schools. In many ways--and for many reasons--he inspired me.
  As the editor of the Marietta Daily Journal, Otis was always fair and 
even-handed. When he identified a problem, he drew attention to it, 
regardless of party affiliation. When he shined a light on something, 
he always left the situation better than he found it. Otis always 
sought the truth, but in his quest for it, he still treated everyone 
well. Besides being fair to Republicans and Democrats alike, the 
diehard Dawgs fan even managed to be gracious to this Georgia Tech 
alum.
  Our community mourns his loss alongside his wife, children, and 
beautiful grandchildren. Otis will be deeply missed. But we will honor 
his memory today and every day. Because of one man's rich life, we've 
all gained so much.

                          ____________________