[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19868]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO MR. HERBERT WOODARD, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2007

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, on July 4, 2007, Mr. Herbert Woodard, 
Sr., a resident of my home community of Wilson, North Carolina will 
celebrate his 100th birthday. And on July 8th, Mr. Woodard's family, 
friends and members of the community will join together to pay special 
tribute to this extraordinary man.
  I have had the privilege of knowing Mr. Woodard all of my life as a 
family friend and neighbor. A remarkable person with an entrepreneurial 
spirit, Mr. Woodard was born during a period in our history when 
significant educational opportunities were not available to African-
Americans. As a result, Mr. Woodard only received a fourth grade 
education. Notwithstanding this tremendous obstacle, Mr. Woodard's work 
ethic demonstrates that diligence and determination produce lifetime 
rewards. As a self-employed businessman, Mr. Woodard's businesses have 
ranged from that of a gas station to baseball parks and hotels. He sold 
and delivered coal to local businesses, and has even cleaned septic 
tanks. As an accomplished and humble businessman, he has gained the 
respect and admiration of his community.
  Madam Speaker, although a skilled and savvy businessman, Mr. Woodard 
always makes a practice of giving back to the community. Each holiday 
season, Mr. Woodard gives turkeys to senior citizens at his church. He 
also donates to charitable organizations that provide services to 
children and veterans.
  Mr. Woodard and his devoted wife of many years, Mrs. Georgia Battle 
Woodard have nurtured a strong and loving family. During a recent visit 
to the Woodard home, I asked Mr. Woodard to what does he attribute his 
longevity, and he said ``I took care of my family.'' What a powerful 
statement in so few words.
  Madam Speaker, It is with great pride that I acknowledge the 
achievements of Mr. Herbert Woodard, Sr. His many accomplishments have 
made him a well respected person in our community. It is with extreme 
pride that I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in marking this 
monumental occasion in the life of Mr. Herbert Woodard, Sr.