[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 14 (Monday, January 25, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING GARY SPEARS

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life 
of an outstanding Arkansan and Cleveland County leader, Judge Gary 
Spears. After a multiyear battle with cancer, Judge Spears passed away 
on January 10, 2021.
  Judge Spears grew up on a small farm in New Edinburg, AR, and 
graduated with honors from New Edinburg High School in 1987. He 
attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he studied 
agricultural business before marrying his wife Melody. The couple moved 
to Warren, AR, where Judge Spears worked as a distributor for Big R 
Ice. The couple eventually returned to New Edinburg in 1996 and 
purchased the New Edinburg County Store, which they operated together 
for 10 years.
  In 2007, Judge Spears was elected Cleveland County Judge, marking the 
start of an illustrious 14-year career as the longest serving county 
judge in county history. His undeniable leadership while presiding over 
Cleveland County had ripple effects that extended beyond the county 
borders and brought tremendous benefit to the entire State. A few 
recent and notable achievements during his tenure include successful 
efforts to ensure an accurate 2020 census count for Cleveland County 
and directly overseeing the county's finances during the COVID-19 
pandemic by authorizing and approving the disbursement of funds.
  Representing the citizens of Cleveland County was a clear passion for 
Judge Spears. He was also dedicated to farming. On the exact 10-acre 
plot that his father once farmed, Judge Spears worked diligently to 
continue his family's unique tradition of ``truck-patch farming.'' He 
grew various crops, including tomatoes, beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, 
watermelons, peppers, and much more. In fact, his family's agriculture 
operation gained deserved recognition in 2019 when they were named 
Cleveland County Farm Family of the Year.
  Judge Spears leaves behind a lasting legacy thanks to the confidence 
entrusted in him by his Cleveland County constituents. I am confident 
his selfless leadership as a Cleveland County judge, businessman, and 
family farmer will guide and inspire future generations of 
Arkansans.

                          ____________________