    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2025)]
    [Extensions of Remarks]
    [Page E166]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                      IN MEMORY OF CLIFFORD ODELL RUTLEDGE

                                     ______

                          HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                                   of georgia

                        in the house of representatives

                          Wednesday, February 26, 2025

      Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated husband,
    loving father, doting grandfather, committed educator, astute
    entrepreneur, patriotic soldier, broadcast hall of famer and friend of
    longstanding, Mr. Clifford Odell Rutledge. Sadly, Cliff passed from
    labor to reward on Sunday, February 16, 2025. A funeral service to
    celebrate his extraordinary life will be held on Wednesday, February
    26, 2025, at Nichols Chapel AME Church in Phenix City, Alabama.
      Cliff's journey began with his birth to Dock and Willie Mae Rutledge.
    He graduated from South Girard High School in Phenix City and furthered
    his education at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama.
    Following his studies, Cliff served our country honorably in the United
    States Army from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean Conflict.
      It has been said that ``Education is the passport to the future; it
    belongs to those who prepare for it today.'' Cliff dedicated a
    significant part of his life to preparing young people for their
    futures, embarking on a distinguished 41-year career in education. His
    educational journey included roles at his alma mater, South Girard High
    School, South Girard Elementary, and Ridgecrest Elementary, where he
    coached junior high basketball teams and instilled in his students the
    importance of winning in the game of life.
      Throughout his career, Cliff pursued continuous improvement through
    advanced studies in school administration at both Auburn and Tuskegee
    Universities. He served as a teacher and principal at Susie E. Allen
    Elementary School and later became the Director of Community Education
    for the Phenix City Public Schools, overseeing Head Start and Adult
    Education Programs.
      In addition to his contributions to education, Cliff was a gifted
    radio broadcaster. His journey began in the late 1950s as the host of a
    Sunday morning gospel show on WCLE. In 1964, he joined WOKS radio
    station, where he launched his sports announcing career, becoming a
    trusted voice in the Chattahoochee Valley sports community. His
    dedication to broadcasting earned him induction into the Chattahoochee
    Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
      Cliff was not only committed to education and broadcasting but also
    to his community. As the saying goes, ``Service is the rent that we pay
    for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Cliff paid his rent
    well and he paid it well. His commitment to justice led him to co-found
    United to Save Ourselves, an organization dedicated to equality and
    change. His efforts were recognized by several community organizations,
    including the USO's Hometown High Achievers Award in 2002 and the
    SAMARC Foundation Award, which honored him as a community legend in
    2012. In 2020, the City of Phenix City recognized him with a
    Trailblazer award during a Black History Proclamation Event, and in
    2023, the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP honored him with their
    esteemed Humanitarian Award.
      Cliff loved his family deeply and held his faith close to his heart.
    He began serving God early in life at Nichols Chapel AME Church, where
    his musical talents flourished. His passion for music led him to serve
    as Minister of Music at the church and as a member of the Board of
    Trustees.
      None of Cliff's achievements would have been possible without the
    love and support of his family, including his late wife of 50 years,
    Sadie Jean Nix Rutledge, his son, Timothy Thomas; his granddaughter,
    Clemitruis Hartley, and his niece and devoted caregiver, Decliffia
    Coleman and a host of other relatives who loved him dearly.
      On a personal note, Cliff was my longtime friend and supporter for
    over 50 years. He was also my brother in the bond of Kappa Alpha Psi
    Fraternity, Inc. His wise counsel and sage advice have profoundly
    influenced my journey and success as I serve in Congress. For that, I
    will always be grateful. Moreover, his life and career exemplify the
    noble purpose of our great fraternity--``Achievement in all fields of
    human endeavor.'' Truly the world is a better place because of Cliff.
      Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the
    more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in
    honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Clifford Odell Rutledge. We extend
    our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and all
    those who mourn his loss. May we all find comfort in our abiding faith
    and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

                              ____________________