[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 135 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT EDINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2020

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Robert Edington, a military veteran, former Alabama State 
Senator and Representative, prominent Mobile area lawyer, dedicated 
community leader and devoted husband and father. His many years of 
service to his state and to his country demonstrate his patriotism, his 
servant heart and his commitment to our American values.
  Robert Edington was born in Mobile, Alabama to Judge David Henry 
Edington and Cornelia Owen Edington on November 18, 1929. He studied at 
Rhodes College as an undergraduate and earned his Juris Doctorate from 
the University of Alabama. In addition to his distinguished military 
career, Robert practiced law in Mobile, Alabama for over sixty years, 
establishing himself as one of the preeminent lawyers in the area.
  A veteran, Robert served on active duty with the U.S. Navy from 1951 
to 1955, and in the Navy Active Reserve from 1955 until his retirement 
as a Commander in 1980. Robert's exemplary service record was evident 
in the many awards, medals and accolades he earned throughout his years 
of selfless service. As Navy Air Operations Officer, Robert was awarded 
the Korean Service Medal with two Battle Stars; the China Service 
Medal; the United Nations Service Medal; and the Korean Presidential 
Unit Citation.
  Robert further served his state and his country in the Alabama State 
Legislature, first as a State Representative from 1962 to 1970; and 
then as State Senator from 1970 to 1974. During his time in the State 
Legislature, Robert was instrumental in the creation of the University 
of South Alabama, the University of South Alabama College of Medicine 
and the development of Bishop State Community College. He also played a 
lead role in establishing the Alabama Historical Commission and was 
recognized for his efforts by the National Trust for Historic 
Preservation in Washington, D.C. with their national award.
  Robert also authored legislation which created the USS Alabama 
Battleship Commission. Seeing his vision through, Robert served on the 
commission in during its creation in 1963 through 1972 and later served 
as its Chairman. During this period, Robert also located and arranged 
for the Alabama OS2U's transfer and relocation. Owing to his leadership 
and dedication, Robert was again appointed to the Battleship Commission 
in the year 2000.
  Robert has also served as State President and National Director of 
the Navy League of the United States. In this capacity, he actively 
supported port visits of U.S. Navy vessels for important occasions, 
including Mardi Gras. He has also served as President of the CSS 
Alabama Association USA, where he has overseen tremendous fundraising 
and artifact recovery. Notably, he oversaw the restoration of a 
historic cannon which is now on display in the History Museum of 
Mobile.
  A dedicated member of the Mobile, Alabama community, Robert was 
Mobile's Consul to Guatemala for twenty years and organized Mobile's 
first trade mission to Central America. For his efforts, he was awarded 
the U.S. Department of Commerce's Achievement Award.
  Robert served on the National Advisory Board for the U.S. Small 
Business Administration. He was a member of the Mobile Kiwanis Club and 
the American Legion. He was named Alumnus of the Year in 2008 by Rhodes 
College; and served as Director of the Mobile Bar Association Volunteer 
Lawyer's Program. In 2007, Robert's outstanding contributions to the 
community were acknowledged when he received the Mobilian of the Year 
Award. In 2012, Robert received the distinguished honor of being named 
the 2012 Mobile Area Veteran of the Year.
  Robert married the love of his life, Patricia Gentry, on June 2, 
1962, and together they raised a son Sherard (Courtney Hollins) and a 
daughter Virginia. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, 
Courtney. Robert was an elder at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church where 
he taught Sunday school for many years. He also chaired the board of 
the Montreat Association.
  On personal note, I am honored to call Robert and Pat Edington my 
dear friends and I am blessed to be influenced by their wise counsel 
and infectious commitment to community service. Robert led by example, 
dedicating his life to love of God, country, family and community. He 
was always willing to work to improve the lives of others. From his 
military career to his political and civic engagement, Robert has left 
an indelible mark on the city of Mobile and the state of Alabama. May 
we find comfort in knowing that his extraordinary legacy will live on 
in the many people he impacted.
  On behalf of the Alabama Congressional Delegation, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the exemplary life and 
accomplishments of Robert Edington.

                          ____________________