[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1136-E1137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING COLONEL (RET) ROY GEORGE PLUMMER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2022

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and 
solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a 
loving husband, dedicated father, distinguished Army Chaplain, humble 
pastor, veterans advocate, tireless community servant and my friend of 
longstanding, Colonel (Ret) Roy George Plummer. Sadly, Colonel Plummer 
transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, October 23, 2022. A 
celebration of his life was held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the 
Columbus, Georgia Civic Center.
  Roy George Plummer was born on February 6, 1938 in Saint Andrew 
Parish, Jamaica in the West Indies to the late Wilfred Plummer and 
Lucille Annita Plummer. He was reared by his grandmother, ``Mama'', in 
May Pen, Jamaica, attended school there and became a lightweight boxer 
in his youth before traveling to England and then to the United States. 
He attended Azusa Pacific University in California where he studied 
pre-law, but during his undergraduate studies he heard the Lord's call 
to Christian ministry which took him to the Phillips School of Theology 
in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1969.
  On January 4, 1971 Roy joined the United States Army as a Chaplain 
where for 23 years he served the spiritual and pastoral needs of 
countless United States Army military and civilian personnel and their 
families, including at Atterberry Chapel in Frankfurt, Germany and 
Sightseeing Road Chapel at Fort Benning, Georgia. He attended and 
completed Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War 
College. In 1994 he completed his active duty career as Chief of 
Chaplains and Post Command Chaplain at Fort Benning, retiring at the 
rank of Colonel.
  Also in 1994, always ``pressing toward the mark for the prize of the 
high calling of God in Christ Jesus'', Colonel Plummer founded and 
became Senior Pastor and CEO of Faith Tabernacle Community Church, an 
active and growing congregation in Southeast Columbus.
  Then, in 1998 while maintaining his pastoral ministry, he became 
Director of Army Instruction for the Muscogee County School District 
JROTC where he was responsible for 8 high school JROTC programs and 4 
other County JROTC programs. He worked tirelessly to create a 
formidable program and under his leadership it grew from 400 to1200 
cadets and the Muscogee County School District JROTC program earned 
GHSA State Rifle Championships, State level awards in Drill Team and 
Raider competitions and honorable recognition in the annual JROTC 
Academic Bowl.
  Known for his eloquent golden baritone voice with a pronounced 
British accent, Colonel Plummer was prolific in his community service. 
He was Chaplain for Rotary International District 6900; served on the 
boards of St. Francis Hospital Foundation; Columbus Hospice; United Way 
of the Chattahoochee Valley; Boy Scouts of America and the Greater 
Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He served as Assistant Professor in the 
Department of Graduate Studies at Columbus State University, holding 
Masters degrees in Human Relations and Group Process; Guidance and 
Counseling; Pastoral Care and a Doctorate of Divinity.
  Colonel Plummer's solid educational background, coupled with his 
compassion for ``the least of these'' inspired him to establish the 
Plummer Home for homeless and disenfranchised military veterans, 
providing support and resources to veterans who encountered severe 
challenges in their transition from military to civilian life. His 
legacy in the fight to eradicate homelessness among veterans and for 
expansion of veterans benefits will long be remembered.
  Colonel Roy G. Plummer achieved countless successes in his life. But 
none would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and 
support of his Wife, Kenyetta, his 4 daughters and his 7 grandchildren.
  On a personal note, Roy was my friend. He always supported and 
encouraged me with wise counsel and sage advice. His prayers were 
genuine. His friendship was golden. He will be sorely missed, but the 
world is better because of him.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives join my wife, Vivian and me, along with the more than 
730,000 people of the 2nd District in honoring and celebrating the life 
and legacy of Colonel (Ret) Roy George Plummer for his service to God, 
his Country and humanity and in extending our deepest condolences to 
his family,

[[Page E1137]]

friends and all who mourn his loss. May they be consoled and comforted 
by their faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

                          ____________________