[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E52-E53]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO DAPHNE MAYOR BAILEY YELDING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2013

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a beloved public 
servant who defined leadership in his community by reaching out to all 
points of view. I am speaking of Daphne, Alabama Mayor Bailey Yelding, 
who passed away on January 22, 2013, after a brief illness.
  Born and raised in Daphne, Mayor Yelding loved his community so much 
that he never really left it. He was always proud of his home town, 
noting to the Mobile Press-Register, ``You live and work in a place 
where it's all been great for you, why not love it?''
  And he gave back so much to the community he loved. After graduating 
from the Baldwin County Training School in Daphne in 1957, and 
receiving a degree from Alabama State University, he set his sights on 
helping young people in Daphne. He soon began a career in local 
education that would encompass 39 years of his life, changing lives and 
racking up an impressive record as both a football and basketball 
coach.
  At Baldwin County Training School, Coach Yelding earned a 49-16-1 
record at the helm of the school's football program. After he 
transitioned to Fairhope High School in 1970, he went on to become the 
first African American coach of an integrated high school team in 
Baldwin County. As head varsity basketball coach, he led the team to a 
302-130 record.
  After nearly four decades of educating the young people of Baldwin 
County, Coach Yelding then turned his attention to a different 
challenge--serving his community in elected office. In 2000 he ran for 
and was elected to the Daphne City Council. For the next 11 years, 
Councilman Yelding was a reliable voice for all the people of Daphne, 
reaching out to his fellow councilmen and the community to put the city 
first.
  In 2011, the Daphne City Council appointed Yelding to serve the 
unexpired term of Mayor Fred Small who retired early from office. In 
2012, Mayor Yelding ran for a full term on the platform of experience 
and stability. He survived a lively campaign and a runoff in October 
2012 to become Daphne's first popularly elected African American mayor.
  To everyone who knew him and worked with him, Mayor Yelding was more 
than the chief executive of the city. He was a pillar of integrity and 
a consensus builder. In short--a leader. It's not surprising that he 
was successful in public office. He took the skills he honed as a 
winning football and basketball coach to city hall, forging teamwork 
while motivating city employees and the community to greater heights.
  Mayor Yelding will be remembered not only as a trail blazer, but also 
as a wise and steady hand at Daphne City Hall.
  On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to extend my 
condolences to Mayor Yelding's family, many friends and to the people 
of Daphne. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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