[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 15 (Monday, January 27, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING CATHEY DANDRIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. STEPHEN LEE FINCHER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2014

  Mr. FINCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate 
the life and business career of W. Cathey Dandridge. On January 25th, 
2014, friends and fellow Fayette County, Tennessee residents are 
gathering for a Community Appreciation Reception and rejoice the 47 
year entrepreneurship of the man simply known as ``Mr. Cathey.''
   Mr. Dandridge was born and raised in the small Mississippi town of 
Thyatira, where his graduating high school class consisted of just 16 
students. While in high school a young student named JoAnn Hawkins 
caught his eye and both ultimately attended the University of Memphis 
and were later married in 1960.
   With a degree in Industrial Arts, Mr. Dandridge accepted a job from 
John Deere working in Cullman, Alabama. Proving to be a valued 
employee, Mr. Dandridge quickly moved up with new positions in 
Greenville, Mississippi and Brownsville, Tennessee. With a growing 
family, Mr. Dandridge made the decision to take a leap of business 
faith and purchase Warren Implement. Thus, Dandridge Equipment was 
brought into existence on October 11th, 1967.
   What started as the smallest John Deere dealership in Tennessee grew 
over the years to include sales to Europe, Asia, South America, and all 
over North America achieving numerous awards and recognitions from John 
Deere. Locally, Mr. Dandridge and Dandridge Equipment received the 
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce's Large Business Award in 2011. Over 
the years ``Mr. Cathey'' employed 46 individuals with 582 years of 
combined service to his company.
   W. Cathey Dandridge's life stands as a testament to the American 
dream. Humble and rural beginnings, hard work and dedication, 
appreciation and community service, are all hallmark traits of what it 
takes to create a successful business and more importantly a successful 
life. On behalf of Tennessee's 8th Congressional District, I 
congratulate and wish the best of luck to the family and friends of 
``Mr. Cathey'' Dandridge for all future endeavors.

                          ____________________