[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE MEMORY OF CHESTER ALEXANDER HUNT, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, the city of Fairhope and indeed the entire 
State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor 
him and pay tribute to his memory. Chester Alexander Hunt, Sr., was an 
institution at Fairhope's Grand Hotel, serving as a waiter, concierge, 
official greeter, and historian for more than 60 years.
  A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. Hunt spent most of his life in 
Fairhope with his wife of 65 years, Mary Lewis Hunt, who passed away in 
February of this year.
  On April 18, 1941, Mr. Hunt began his career at the Grand Hotel. He 
left the hotel to serve in the Army during World War II and returned 
after the war ended. During his time at the Grand Hotel, Chester 
welcomed countless guests to the 160-year-old hotel, including former 
President George H.W. Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, former 
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Dolly Parton, and Bo Jackson.
  It goes without saying that Mr. Hunt was well known throughout 
southwest Alabama. He conducted regular history tours for the guests 
and special tours for groups. In 1998, Chester was awarded the hotel 
chain's J.W. Marriott Award of Excellence.
  In addition to his service at the Grand Hotel, Mr. Hunt owned an 
insurance company in Fairhope for more than 20 years and served on the 
Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a truly 
wonderful man, a dedicated community leader and friend to many 
throughout south Alabama. Chester Alexander Hunt will be deeply missed 
by his family--his children, Jan Marie Coleman, Julius Hunt, Chester A. 
Hunt, Jr., Tyrone Hunt, and Kerry Hunt; his brother, Cecil Hunt; 8 
grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren--as well as the countless 
friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at 
this difficult time.

                          ____________________