[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 IN HONOR OF DR. EDDIE T. LINDSEY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and 
solemn remembrance that I pay tribute to a terrific educator and 
outstanding citizen of Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Eddie T. Lindsey, Jr. Dr. 
Lindsey passed away on Monday, August 12, 2013. A Homegoing Celebration 
was held on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 12:00 pm at the First African 
Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.
  Born on January 24, 1932, Dr. Eddie Lindsey grew up in Columbus, 
Georgia. He was a graduate of Spencer High School, and went on to 
attend Savannah State University where he found his passion for 
education. Upon graduating, he began his teaching career first at 
Carver High School and then taught at his Alma Mater, Spencer High 
School. From 1964-1966, he served as Assistant Principal of Carver 
Elementary School before serving as Principal of Marshall Junior High 
School for one year. Then in 1967, he was named Principal of Spencer 
High School, where he served for eight more years.
  In 1975, Dr. Lindsey made history as the first African-American 
assistant superintendent in Muscogee County when he was named the 
Assistant Superintendent for Policy and Procedures for the Muscogee 
County School District. In 1980, he became the Assistant Superintendent 
for Policy and Student Services, where he served for over 20 years 
until his retirement on June 30, 1991.
  Dr. Lindsey's impact stretched far beyond his immediate students, 
however, as he was also the first African-American teacher to get a 
six-year certificate, and the first African American to serve on the 
Muscogee County School Board, blazing a trail for many other Black 
teachers and administrators. He created and published the school 
district's first policy booklet and student behavior code, a manual 
that is still being used today.
  Dr. Lindsey's commitment to education was reflected in his own 
academic achievements, as he continued to pursue a higher level of 
education, receiving a Master's Degree from Atlanta University and a 
Doctorate of Education from Auburn University in 1978.
  A love for education surrounded Dr. Lindsey outside of the classroom 
as well. His wife of 57 years, Constance, is a retired educator of the 
Muscogee County School District. His two sons also followed in his 
footsteps; his oldest son, Eddie, is Coordinator of Edgewood 
Alternative School, and his youngest son, Christopher, is Principal of 
G.W. Carver High School.
  George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to 
come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct 
and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are all so 
blessed that Dr. Eddie Lindsey passed this way and during his life's 
journey did so much for so many for so long. He leaves behind a great 
legacy in education to the thousands of students, teachers, and 
administrators whose lives he touched and brightened.
  On a personal note, Dr. Eddie Lindsey was a close personal friend of 
mine and one of the first educators I met when I first came to Columbus 
in 1972. I have truly been blessed by his friendship, counsel and 
inspiration throughout the years.
  Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 700,000 
people of the Second Congressional District salute Dr. Lindsey for his 
outstanding achievements, service, and public distinction. I ask my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our 
deepest condolences to Dr. Lindsey's family, friends and the Columbus, 
Georgia community during this difficult time. We pray that they will be 
consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the 
days, weeks and months ahead.

                          ____________________