[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1257-E1258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF SHERIFF BUDDY EAST

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2018

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of one of Mississippi's most devoted citizen and public servants, 
Sheriff Buddy East. Sheriff East, a native of Lafayette County 
Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, September 8, 2018.
  Sheriff East was the longest serving county sheriff in Mississippi 
history. He faithfully served as Lafayette County Sheriff for 46 years. 
Under his leadership he saw the growth and development of his 
department and his community, striving to make it the best it could be 
every day. Buddy's humble heart and willingness to help anyone in need 
touched the lives of all he encountered.
  Former Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan said, ``Buddy East was 
such a nice easy-going man. If you needed something picked up or if you 
needed some help you called Buddy, and Buddy would be glad to do it for 
you.''
  Sheriff East's leadership and love for his community was recognized 
in 1991 by being named Oxford Citizen of the Year. For some sheriffs, 
their leadership stops where their

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county line ends but, this was not true for Sheriff East. Buddy served 
two terms as the president of the Mississippi Sheriff's Association 
from 1989 to 1990 and 1999 to 2000 helping lead the direction of every 
county in our great state.
  Throughout Sheriff East's long career, he was recognized for many 
awards, titles, and medals. Among these awards, Buddy was most honored 
by receiving the Silver Star for Bravery from the American Law 
Enforcement Association. Most recently, in 2015, Buddy was honored by 
the Lafayette County Law Enforcement and Officers Association with the 
Medal of Valor and unselfishness in the Face of Danger.
  Buddy's love for his community was surpassed by only one thing, his 
love for his family. Even during his busiest times, Buddy was ever 
present in the life of his grandchildren attending all their school and 
sports events. Buddy was especially proud of his time as a little 
league baseball coach.
  Before passing away, Sheriff East expressed his gratitude to the 
community of Lafayette County for allowing him to serve the people he 
loved. Sheriff Buddy East's presence will be missed by all.
  Sheriff East is survived by his wife, Mary Hall East of Oxford; five 
children, Melissa Westbrook and her husband, Billy, Joey East and his 
wife, Kimberly, Shannon Lomax and her husband, Max, Steve Lewis and his 
wife, Melanie, all of Oxford and Scott Lewis and his wife, Brandi of 
Dallas, TX; a sister, Nona Tutor of Oxford and thirteen grandchildren.

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