[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    TRIBUTE TO THOMAS CHEATHAM, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay 
tribute to Mr. Thomas Cheatham, Jr., a native of Bentonia, MS. After a 
long and distinguished career of public service, Mr. Cheatham announced 
his retirement on June 30, 2001.
  Mr. Cheatham was a dedicated employee of the State of Mississippi for 
27 years with tenures at both the Department of Public Safety, Motor 
Vehicles Division and as a tax collector with the Mississippi State Tax 
Commission. Prior to this, Mr. Cheatham served in the military for 28 
years with the Mississippi National Guard, where the qualities of 
dedication and punctuality were instilled into him. These traits 
followed him throughout his career, evidence in the fact that he was 
always on time for work.
  Although Mr. Cheatham enjoyed his time with the State his real 
passion was coaching little league baseball. He spent 37 years coaching 
the Grove Park Royals, an eight to twelve age team, in Jackson, MS. As 
leader of the team, Mr. Cheatham enjoyed many successful seasons, this 
past year going 19 and 1. He was instrumental in the development of 
many young individuals on and off the field. He has also been fortunate 
enough to see several of his players eventually go on to play Major 
League Baseball.
  Mr. Cheatham will be missed by a lot of people at work, but if anyone 
is more deserving of retirement it is him. He should be commended 
because he is truly a modern day ``role model,'' displaying the 
characteristics of integrity and commitment for all to admire.

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