[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 20 (Thursday, January 31, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO HARDY MCCOLLUM

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Judge 
Hardy McCollum, probate judge and chairman of the Tuscaloosa County 
Commission, who retired earlier this month after 42 years of honorable 
service. Judge McCollum will be long remembered for his remarkable 
career and his dedication to the rule of law.
  A native of Tuscaloosa, Hardy grew up selling peanuts, popcorn, and 
programs at Denny Stadium, which is now known as Bryant-Denny Stadium. 
Following graduation from Tuscaloosa High School, Hardy married his 
high school sweetheart, Juanita. They both went on to earn their 
degrees from the University of Alabama.
  Following college, Hardy began working in Tuscaloosa and serving as 
an active member of the the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, commonly 
known as the Jaycees. He has always told me that his first political 
experience was campaigning for me in the 1970 Alabama State Senate 
race.
  In his first run for office in 1976, Hardy was elected to the 
position of probate judge. Following his initial election, he was 
reelected to six more 6-year terms, serving in the esteemed role from 
1977 to 2019, a total of 42 years.
  During his time as probate judge and chairman of the Tuscaloosa 
County Commission, Hardy also served as president of the Association of 
County Commissions of Alabama, the National Association of Counties 
Transportation Steering Committee, and the National College of Probate 
Judges. Additionally, he held the role of chairman of the West Alabama 
Planning and Development Council, the Governor's Committee on 
Employment of the Handicapped, and the University of Alabama Commerce 
and Business Administration Executive Society.
  Outside of his professional career, Hardy has volunteered over the 
years with the Boys and Girls Club of America, Boy Scouts of America, 
and United Way. He also served as chairman of the Heart Association and 
the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation.
  Another noteworthy accomplishment in Hardy's career is that he has 
been the longest serving probate judge in the State of Alabama, and at 
the time of his first election in 1976, he was the youngest probate 
judge in the State. His dedication and service have been immensely 
valued in the State and will be greatly missed.
  It is with great pleasure that I join Hardy's family and friends in 
recognizing his accomplishments. Our State and community have been 
fortunate to have a leader like Hardy McCollum, and I wish Hardy the 
very best as he transitions into the next chapter of his life.

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