[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3339]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              IN MEMORY OF
                           CLYDE WALKER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 2008

  Mr. PICKERING. Madam Speaker, Clyde Walker, Jr. served as the chief 
of the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department for more than 35 years. 
The fire department was his life, and his love of volunteering and 
serving others showed drastically through his contributions to the 
department.
   Clyde had two major goals for the department and was extremely 
fundamental in obtaining both for the Collinsville community. First was 
to receive a Federal grant to purchase a combination brush and rescue 
truck. After three years of perseverance, including letters and phone 
calls, the grant was received. The second goal was to build a new fire 
station. Clyde inspired the community to give financial donations, 
time, and materials. A building estimated to cost from $60,000 to 
$80,000 was built, and when the volunteers moved in, they owed only 
$4,000. The new station was complete with 4 bays, a kitchen and meeting 
area, and a room for sleeping quarters and storage space. Clyde 
accomplished two major feats that would drastically improve the 
operations of the fire department.
   The amount of love and respect that the Collinsville community has 
for Clyde showed immensely in one of the most trying times, his death. 
The family asked that donations be made to the department to help pay 
off the final debt. So far, more than $7,000 has been donated. Not only 
is this enough to pay off the final note, but also they plan to have a 
dedication service for the new fire department.
   Clyde served his community as an active member of Collinsville First 
Baptist Church. There he served as a deacon, Sunday school director, as 
well as on various committees. He was a charter member of the 
Collinsville Lions Club and a member of the Collinsville Community 
Development Club. Clyde also served as the director of the Lauderdale 
County Welfare Department until he retired in the 90s.
   He was married to Ellen Walker for 49 years, and they have three 
children. Their son Randy is married to Jo Ann, and they have two 
daughters. Their other son, Ricky, is married to Chris, and they have 
two sons. Their daughter Renee is married to Max, and they have a son 
and daughter. Randy, Ricky, and Ricky's oldest son, Davey, are all 
volunteers with the fire department.
   Madam Speaker, I hope the Congress joins me in remembering Clyde 
Walker for a lifetime of service. His contributions will be remembered 
by all who knew him. Clyde will be greatly missed, but his legacy will 
live on through his family, friends, and especially the Collinsville 
Volunteer Fire Department.

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