[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H6076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT POWELL HOLDING, III

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert Powell 
Holding, III, of Wilmington, North Carolina. Thomas Jefferson once 
said, ``God who gave us life gave us liberty.''
  North Carolina is fortunate to have an embodiment of this American 
spirit in Robert Holding, III, who is continuing his battle against 
pancreatic cancer by working on a new E.A. Morris/Robert P. Holding 
Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.
  Mr. Speaker, I first met Robert, or ``Robbie'', as so many of his 
closest friends and family in our home county of Johnston call him, 
when I was a teenager working on our family farm during the summers.
  He drove up in his pickup, with his wrist resting on top of the 
steering--the window rolled down, of course. I don't know how I can 
recall that detail so vividly and not remember the exact year, but I 
think I was about 13 or 14.
  He had stopped by the shop there at the farm to visit with my uncle 
for a bit. They talked weather and the crops and the latest news in the 
county for a good 30 minutes, maybe longer.

                              {time}  1030

  Now, that wasn't the first time I had seen a neighboring farmer come 
by in their pickup to talk, but it was the first time I had ever met a 
Holding. I had heard about the family for years--arguably the most 
influential family in Johnston County and eastern North Carolina--but I 
had never met one until that day. Years later we would be neighbors at 
McGee's Crossroads in Johnston County and in Wilmington as well.
  Former U.S. Senator Lauch Faircloth said it best when he wrote about 
Robert Holding: Robert, you are one of the strongest people of faith I 
know. Lauch went on: I remember launching my campaign in your living 
room. You have been in the top leadership for Reagan in 1980, Senator 
Jesse Helms, myself, Senator Dole, and others.
  My dear friend and former Congressman George Holding added: I watched 
my older brother work hard for years, building businesses in 
manufacturing, media, real estate, and finance. And I watched him 
tirelessly give back to his family and community.
  I have personally seen firsthand how Robert Holding's hard work, 
mentoring, and insightful mind inspires others. He has helped make our 
State and Nation a much better place.
  From the Nutcracker Company to vice president of promotional 
wholesale; from founder and CEO of Carolantic Communications and RP 
Industries; to founding Reedy Branch Farms, Robert has worked to be a 
contributor to his community.
  From founder and CEO of Allied Communications, Delta Broadcasting and 
WKFT-TV, to CFB Construction Company, Jefferson Marketing, RP Holding 
Realty, the Coalition for Freedom, and the Vance Young Team at 
Intracoastal Realty, Robert has provided love, leadership, and jobs to 
employees and owners.
  From Americans for Reagan to Helms, Faircloth, Dole, Leo Daughtry, 
the Congressional Club, and so many others, Robert Holding is a 
visionary business leader who stands for what he believes.
  You can see his kind heart in how he continues to give back to our 
community locally through his nonprofit work, and by his help to 
champion to E.A. Morris Cancer Center at Duke University. He is helping 
lead projects in Johnston County to strengthen Providence Presbyterian 
Church, expand LifeSpring Academy, and support Friendship Baptist 
Church, as well as his work with the Wilmington Boys and Girls Club, 
and leadership of Monday night Bible study.
  He has also worked tirelessly to champion wildlife conservation 
across North Carolina with legendary conservationist Eddie Bridges. His 
vision for the Eddie C. Bridges, Robert P. Holding Black Creek Youth 
for Christ Wildlife Habitat Conservation Grounds will help future 
generations value our amazing natural sources.
  Like his father and grandfather before him, Robert Holding, III, is 
an example of the American spirit that makes this country great; the 
spirit of faith, family, and community; the spirit to be the best we 
can be and to help others.
  God bless you, Robert, and thank you. May God bless your wife, Pam; 
your children, Bob and Amy; your six grandchildren; your brothers, 
Frank and George; your sister, Jane; and all those whose lives you 
continue to touch.
  Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to know Robert and to recognize him 
today.

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