[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE LIFE OF BOB BOOKER

  (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my dear 
friend, Bob Booker, who passed away on February 22 at 88 years young.
  He was a historian, a U.S. Army veteran, and a passionate civil 
rights leader who was not afraid to stand up for what he believed. 
State Representative Joe Armstrong and I named a bridge after him when 
we were both in the State legislature because of all of his hard work. 
He really cared about his community and making it a better place.
  In 1966, Bob was also elected as Knoxville's first Black Tennessee 
State Representative.
  Bob was a dear friend of mine, and I knew him for many years. He 
worked with my dad at UT, and he knew my mama because she taught at 
Knoxville College, a historically Black college. He continued to be a 
great friend to me and my family after they passed away.
  I have one particularly fond memory of Bob. One night when Kelly, my 
wife, and I were at a noted honky-tonk in Knoxville, Bob was there, as 
well. Kelly and I had snuck in, and we were in the back row. He belted 
out a karaoke song and dedicated it to us. He knew his music and had an 
incredible record collection that I loved and admired whenever I went 
to his house. He was an excellent host and an excellent cook.
  I give my condolences to Bob's brother, Percell, all of his friends 
at Marie's Old Town Tavern, and everyone who knew and loved him. Bob 
will be missed.

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