[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 78 (Wednesday, June 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 109TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. ROOSEVELT LEE, SR. OF KOSCIUSKO, 
                                   MS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Mr. Roosevelt Lee, Sr. of Kosciusko, MS as a father, husband and 
agricultural entrepreneur in recognition of his 109th birthday. Born 
October 23, 1902 to Mr. Tom Lee and Mrs. Mary Young Lee, Roosevelt is 
the eldest and last surviving of nine siblings, all of which he helped 
his father care for. Mr. Lee is the father of eighteen (18) children, 
grandfather to sixty (60) grandchildren, and great-grandfather to more 
than fifty (50) great-grandchildren.
  During a period when educational resources for African Americans were 
scarce, Mr. Lee managed to receive a third-grade education which was 
offered out of a local church in Kosciusko, where he is a native. At a 
very young age Mr. Lee committed his time and talent to working to help 
support his family; he worked as a farmer, mechanic, and raiser of 
cattle and other livestock.
  He is a devoted Christian and passionate steward of the Lord. He was 
a member of the Mount Ollie Missionary Baptist Church in Kosciusko, MS 
for 67 years where he actively served as Sunday school superintendent, 
treasurer, head deacon, and trustee. Currently, he is a member of the 
Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Clarksdale and has been for the 
past eight years.
  Mr. Lee is a member of the Sir Knight Masons of Clarksdale, MS. He 
has selflessly devoted his time to helping other local farmers maintain 
and repair their farming equipment and vehicles. Mr. Lee's work ethic 
and commitment to providing for his family has allowed his family to 
keep its farm for 81 years. He was a producer of cotton, corn, soybeans 
and a number of other crops.
  In October of 2007, Mayor Henry Epsy of Clarksdale, Mississippi, 
declared October 27th as Roosevelt Lee, Sr. Day. At the seasoned age of 
109, Mr. Lee does not suffer from commonly prominent illnesses such as 
high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart issues or diabetes. He 
enjoys boxing, wrestling, and he has a passion for the game of 
checkers. He has frequented Chicago, St. Louis, California, Atlanta and 
a host of other U.S. cities and states.
  Mr. Lee truly believes that his commitment to Christ has sustained 
him throughout his life. He believes that if you serve the Lord and do 
the right thing, regardless of what the next person does, God will 
bless you. He is a true example of the wondrous works of the Lord and 
what it means to be a provider for your family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating a true 
champion of life, Mr. Roosevelt Lee, Sr., for his tenacity and zealous 
work as a farmer, father and fine American.

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