[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 18, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H2426-H2427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF ARNOLD E. PERL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Kustoff) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KUSTOFF. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in the memory of my friend 
and a great Memphian, Arnold Perl.
  Arnold was known as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, 
and strong advocate. While Arnold Perl was born in Texas and raised in 
Chicago, Memphis was Arnold's true home. He earned his undergraduate 
and law degrees from the University of Illinois and, in 1968, moved to 
Tennessee. Memphis remained his adopted city until his passing on May 4 
of this year.
  After he came to Memphis, Arnold founded his own law firm, Young & 
Perl, a law firm focusing on labor law and labor-management relations. 
Arnold later served as a member of the well-known Memphis law firm 
Glankler Brown, where he represented some of the biggest Fortune 500 
companies.

                              {time}  1015

  Arnold also argued cases before numerous State and Federal courts, 
the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
  As a lawyer, Arnold was sought after for his impressive skills, his 
expertise, and his extensive knowledge of the rule of law. Since 1983, 
he was listed in each edition of The Best Lawyers in America and even 
served on its advisory board.
  Without a doubt, Arnold was an extremely accomplished lawyer, but his 
passions went beyond the law.
  For over 30 years, Arnold served as a strong and committed member of 
the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. For 16 of those years, 
from 1996-2012, he was its chairman.
  Through his leadership, Arnold played a vital role in making the 
Memphis International Airport into one of the top hubs in the world. 
Working in conjunction with FedEx, Arnold helped the Memphis airport 
become the world's largest cargo airport.
  He also facilitated the relocation of the Tennessee Air National 
Guard's headquarters, which helped promote growth for Memphis.
  Arnold was chairman of the New Arena Public Building Authority, where 
he oversaw the development of the FedExForum, the home of the Memphis 
Grizzlies and the Memphis Tigers.

[[Page H2427]]

  This was a huge accomplishment for Memphis, as it brought great 
economic development and unity to the community.
  During its construction, Arnold's mantra was to build the facility on 
time and on budget. Indeed, the FedExForum was built in 3 years and on 
budget.
  Most importantly, Arnold was a dedicated member of the Memphis Jewish 
community and was devoted to his faith. He served as the 45th president 
of Temple Israel in Memphis, from 2006-2009.
  Arnold was passionate in his advocacy for Israel. In 1983, he and his 
wife, Mary Lynn, were two of the founding members of the AIPAC chapter 
in Memphis. Arnold was devoted to educating people on the importance of 
a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
  Ultimately, Arnold was not only a gifted lawyer; he was a true civic 
giant, a fierce advocate, a faithful individual, and a loving family 
man. He worked tirelessly to make Memphis a better place for all to 
live.
  His two daughters, Stephanie and Laurie; and his two sons-in-law, 
Jeff and Jonathan, who he saw more as sons, said that their dad 
followed four pillars that he adopted from one of his mentors: Family, 
faith, professionalism, and community.
  Roberta and I extend our deepest sympathies to Mary Lynn, his loving 
wife of 55 years; their daughters, Stephanie and Laurie; his sons-in-
law, Jeff and Jonathan; his six grandchildren, and the rest of his 
family and friends.
  May his memory be a blessing.

                          ____________________