[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF RALPH LESLIE BUDDY COLE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ralph Leslie 
Buddy Cole, Jr. for a noteworthy life dedicated to public service. Mr. 
Cole passed away at the age of 80, having lived a selfless life as a 
veteran of the Texas Air National Guard, public servant, and civic 
leader.
   Buddy was born on August 19th, 1934 and grew up picking cotton in 
Krum, Texas. His commitment to public service and civic leadership 
started at a young age, notably when he founded the Krum Young Citizens 
Club and subsequently served as its first president. Buddy's public 
service career included serving on Pilot Point's City Council, first by 
election in 1981 and again by appointment in 1986. Additionally, he 
served as Denton County Judge for 4 years after being elected in 1982 
and then served as Denton County Commissioner for Precinct 1 after 
winning election in 1986. Buddy is deserving of recognition not only 
for his continuous dedication to civic leadership and public service, 
but also for the example he demonstrated in his personal life and 
character. Buddy was regarded throughout the community as a pragmatic 
problem solver, something that no doubt contributed to his success in 
public office.
   Buddy is survived by his wife, Norma, his sons Alan and Leslie, 
eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. I join his family and 
the community of lives he touched in celebrating the accomplishments of 
Buddy Cole. It is my privilege to represent the 26th District of Texas 
in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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