[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5076-S5077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING GARRY NEIL DRUMMOND

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of 
my friend Garry Neil Drummond of Birmingham, AL, who passed away on 
July 13, 2016. He will be long remembered as an iconic leader and 
skilled entrepreneur who left a positive impact on the coal and mining 
industry and the State of Alabama.
  Garry was born in Walker County, AL. He earned a bachelor of science 
in civil engineering from the University of Alabama in 1961. After 
graduation, he joined Drummond Company, Inc., and became the first 
engineer hired by the company.
  Garry's father, H.E. Drummond, began the Drummond Coal Company in 
Sipsey, AL, in 1935 to serve as a coal provider for farms and 
households. At age 15, Garry began working in coal mines across Walker 
County with his father. He was eventually named chief executive officer 
of the Drummond Company, and he served in this role for more than 50 
years.
  Garry was a founder of the American Coal Foundation, and in 1978, he 
served as the first chairman of the Mining and Reclamation Council of 
America, which later merged with the National Coal Association. Garry 
also served on the boards of the National Mining Association and the 
Alabama Coal Association.
  He was a longtime member of the University of Alabama board of 
trustees and served as president pro tem of the board. He was also the 
university's ``Outstanding Alumnus'' for 1987-88. Garry was inducted 
into the Alabama

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Academy of Honor in 1989, the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 1997, 
the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Birmingham Business 
Hall of Fame in 2010.
  A dedicated civil servant, Garry served on the boards of the Big Oak 
Ranch, Inc., Boy Scouts of America Greater Alabama Council, the 
Business Council of Alabama, the Economic Development Partnership of 
Alabama, the Rotary Club of Birmingham, and Glenwood, Inc.
  Largely due to Garry's steadfast leadership, Drummond Company today 
includes large coal mines in Alabama and Colombia, South America, a 
worldwide coal sales organization, ABC Coke--the largest merchant 
foundry coke producer in the United States--and a real estate division 
with major developments in Lakeland, FL, Palm Springs, CA, and 
Birmingham, AL.
  Garry's many successes, accomplishments, and contributions to the 
State of Alabama and the coal and mining industries will not soon be 
forgotten. He was truly a remarkable businessman, an unwavering leader, 
a devoted civil servant, and a loyal friend.
  I offer my deepest condolences to Garry's wife, Peggy Drummond, his 
four children, his large extended family, and countless friends as they 
celebrate his exceptional life and mourn this great loss.

                          ____________________