[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S4471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING JUDGE GREG RAY

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Sevier County Judge Greg Ray, who passed away on August 
30, 2022, at the age of 61.
  Judge Ray was a beloved member of his community and a fearless 
advocate for his constituents about whom he cared deeply. Those who had 
the chance to work with him remember his sense of humor, determination, 
and kindness.
  Since 2010, Judge Ray served as a county leader and was intimately 
involved in a number of county and State organizations, including the 
County Judges Association of Arkansas--CJAA--where he served as first 
vice president and developed close relationships with county judges 
across the State. CJAA Chief Legal Counsel Mark Whitmore reflected that 
Judge Ray ``was a dear friend, full of life and always had a big smile 
and happy disposition. He was a pillar of the CJAA and a leader in his 
community.''
  Judge Ray was an instrumental figure in establishing the new Sevier 
County Medical Center, which is set to open at the end of this year. At 
the ground-breaking ceremony, he praised the residents of Sevier County 
for the high voter turnout in support of the new medical facility. 
``The citizens didn't just show up. They showed out,'' he said.
  Thanks to his leadership and advocacy, the new hospital will bring 
much needed assistance to the people of rural southwest Arkansas, a 
legacy his loved ones and the citizens he served will be proud to 
reflect and carry on for years to come.
  Outside of his role as county judge, he enjoyed fishing and served as 
a key organizer for the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce's annual Tri-
Lakes Big Bass Festival. He also hosted the annual Senior Citizens Day 
celebration on the Sevier County Courthouse Square.
  I join Judge Greg Ray's family, friends, and all Arkansans in 
mourning his passing. He set a worthy example for his hard-working 
staff and county judges across the State to emulate, and the people of 
Arkansas are grateful for his dedication to better our lives and 
communities.

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