[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 5]
[House]
[Pages 7309-7310]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ROBERT E. ANDREWS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Deal) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DEAL of Georgia. Madam Speaker, today I pay tribute to a close 
personal friend, a mentor, a dedicated public servant and a respected 
attorney, Robert E. ``Bob'' Andrews of Gainesville, Georgia.
  Bob was many things to many people: a devoted husband who was always 
concerned about Katherine's welfare; a proud father whose home and 
office were decorated with pictures of his children; a decorated war 
hero who remained a patriot in the defense of freedom; a skilled 
attorney whose advice and counsel were sought by many; a legislator who 
brought leadership and insight to the Georgia General Assembly. But, 
above all, he was a caring and compassionate southern gentleman.
  Bob Andrews was a man of faith. His faith in God was the earnest 
money for his blessings of family, friends and health. His faith in 
himself was the manifestation of a purpose-centered life.
  Bob liked to laugh. He could always tell a funny story from his early 
years as a practicing attorney when the courtroom was the focal point 
for community entertainment. It was in that environment that he honed 
his skills in cross-examination and oral argument.
  Bob was a true student of the law, who loved and respected its 
discipline. His library table was always piled high with appellate 
reports that reflected his meticulous attention to the details of his 
profession. He valued knowledge, political dialogue and common 
courtesy.
  Bob Andrews was a kind person. In a profession that is often noted 
for its viciousness, Bob was an attorney whose most severe rebuke of 
someone would come when he would wrinkle up his nose and simply say, 
``He just should not have done that.''

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  As the passage of years and declining of health took its toll on his 
mobility, he never lost his sharp mind, except on one occasion when I 
visited him for a second time at the hospital. I commented that this 
was a different room than on my prior visit. Bob laughed and said that 
all hospital rooms looked the same to him.
  I am thankful that he did not have to spend more time there.
  The psalmist described a blessed man, in part, is one who is like a 
tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in his 
season. Bob Andrews was a blessed man who, in turn, blessed us as he 
shared the fruits of his labor and allowed us to learn and grow in the 
shade of his branches.
  If God allows lawyers into heaven, and I believe he does, Bob Andrews 
is there regaling the saints with his exploits and humorous commentary 
on his passage through this life; and God must be smiling as he listens 
to a good man who did his best.

                          ____________________