[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF BOBBY FLYNN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a great 
American, Mr. Robert Douglas Flynn. Known to everyone as Bobby, he 
passed away September 22, 2022.
  Bobby Flynn was born July 25, 1927, in Lexington, Kentucky. He 
attended Lafayette High School where he excelled in athletics, 
especially track and basketball. Bobby joined the United States Army 
and later served in the Merchant Marines. On August 3, 1946 he married 
Ella Ritchey. He attended the University of Dayton on a basketball 
scholarship. Bobby became the first white man to play on an all-black 
semi-pro baseball team, the Lexington Hustlers. He was drafted by the 
Brooklyn Dodgers.
  Bobby and Ella had 3 children, Doug, Brad, and Melanie. Bobby owned a 
restaurant and then pursued a career in the insurance business, where 
he worked for 30 years. Bobby was elected and served in the Kentucky 
Senate from 1968 to 1972. He served on Lexington's city council from 
1988 to 1996. His love for athletics never stopped, as he enjoyed and 
excelled at golf, bowling, and fishing for many years. He served as a 
referee for football and basketball. He was the manager of press row at 
Rupp Arena for many years. Bobby was also involved at Keeneland, the 
Lexington Legends, and KHSAA games. Due to his long-time support of 
Lexington sports, the annual Bluegrass Sports Award is named after him. 
His last years were spent at Sayre Christian Village, where he received 
a Lifetime Achievement Award for service to the community.
  Most importantly, Bobby Flynn was a devoted man of faith and a member 
of Grace Baptist Church. His faith in God directed his life and he 
modeled his faith in the way that he lived. He was always willing to 
help others, even at personal sacrifice.
  It is my honor to recognize the life of Mr. Bobby Flynn; an 
outstanding citizen, a patriot, and a man of integrity who loved and 
served God through his service to the community of Lexington. America 
is great because of people like Bobby Flynn and I am forever grateful.

                          ____________________