[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF PEGGY KIRK BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. 
Margaret Anne ``Peggy'' Kirk Bell who passed away peacefully in the 
comfort of her home on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. Our thoughts and 
prayers are with the entire Bell family as they mourn the loss of this 
extraordinary woman.
  A native of Findlay, Ohio, Mrs. Bell dedicated her life to sharing 
the joys of golf with those around her. At the age of seventeen, she 
picked up the sport that would transform her life and define her 
legacy. Mrs. Bell would go on to establish what has been described as 
``one of the best amateur records ever compiled'' before becoming a 
charter member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and 
competing for several years professionally.
  Best known as a teacher of the game, Mrs. Bell's reach expanded 
around the world as she shared her passion with golfers of all ages and 
abilities. Her achievements include being named LPGA Teacher of the 
Year, Golf Digest's ``One of the Six Best Women Teachers in the 
World,'' and winning the first ever LPGA Senior Championship. Her 
lifetime of dedication and love for golf was recognized several times 
including when she received the Bob Jones Award in 1990, which is the 
United States Golf Association's highest award for distinguished 
sportsmanship in golf.
  In 1953, the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself to Mrs. Bell 
and her husband, Warren ``Bullet'' Bell, when they purchased Pine 
Needles Golf Course in Southern Pines, North Carolina. From there the 
couple transformed the golf course to what is today one of the premier 
golfing destinations in the world. Mrs. Bell quickly became a staple at 
the resort, taking a hands-on approach to its management and personally 
investing her time and effort in the lives of its staff and visitors. 
On any given day at the course you could expect a challenging round of 
golf and the warmest of welcomes from a smiling Mrs. Bell. Her focus 
was always to serve others and make certain that everyone was having 
fun.
  Compassionate, kind, and loving, Mrs. Bell's impact resonated through 
the entire sport of golf. She served as both a pioneer of the game and 
teacher for future generations. To say that she will be missed would be 
a gross understatement. While we mourn the loss of this extraordinary 
woman, there is no doubt that her legacy will continue to be celebrated 
for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire 
Bell family, especially her children, Bonnie, Peggy Ann, and my dear 
friend, Kirk.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Mrs. 
Peggy Kirk Bell.

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