[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 149 (Monday, August 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E915-E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MR. ROLAND DYKES, III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 23, 2021

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Roland 
Dykes, III, a beloved pillar of Newport in Cocke County, Tennessee. Mr. 
Dykes is currently the Mayor of the City of Newport, having followed in 
the footsteps of his father. He is a graduate of Jacksonville 
University where he earned his MBA; the University of Tennessee-
Knoxville where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1974; and 
Cocke County High School in 1969 where he graduated with honors. He 
retired from Quaker Oats/PepsiCo in 2012 and then worked briefly as an 
independent marketing consultant in the beverage industry before 
retiring for good in 2013 to pursue volunteer and political 
opportunities. His illustrious career includes stints working for such 
notable companies as Xerox, DuPont, AT&T, and Quaker Oats in positions 
of leadership ranging from District Manager, Regional Manager and Area 
Manager.
  Roland's legacy of community service is notable as well. He is a 
graduate of both the East Tennessee Regional Leadership program and 
Cocke County's Leadership program. Mr. Dykes has served as the 
President of the Tanner Preservation Alliance, an organization to 
preserve the first school for African Americans in Cocke County. He is 
a former President of the Tennessee Picnic Association, served on the 
Board of Directors for Newport Utilities and served as Chairman. He is 
the immediate Past Chair of the East Tennessee Development District and 
currently chairs the Policy Council of the East Tennessee Human 
Resource Agency. His civic and community service also includes being 
active with the Newport Kiwanis Club and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 
Inc.
  His legacy of love includes being married to his wife, Rhonda, and 
they will celebrate 45 years of marriage on November 26, 2021. They 
have one son, Roland IV.
  Mr. Dykes will be honored by the Senior Citizens Home Assistance 
Service with the Cocke County Citizenship Award in September of 2021.
  Madam Speaker, Roland Dykes, III has been a source of leadership, 
compassion, and support for the citizens of Newport and Cocke County as 
well as a strong community advocate for racial equality and positive 
change. I proudly honor him.

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