[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9226]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO COACH FINLEY READ

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 18, 2012

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly 
outstanding North Carolinian, Finley Read, of Lumberton, North 
Carolina. Coach Read has dedicated over twenty years coaching and 
administrative work Lumberton High School, which is my alma mater. 
Coach Read deserves to be honored here today for his tireless 
contribution to the community of Lumberton. I ask that you join me in 
recognizing his long and remarkable career.
  Coach Read enrolled and graduated from NC State University, where he 
was active in the football program. His impressive record during this 
time was interrupted only to serve our country in the U.S. Army. After 
returning to Lumberton, Coach Read became a high school teacher and 
multi-sport coach for the Lumberton Pirates, where he remained for two 
decades. In addition to his role as an administrator, Coach Read has 
bettered his community in countless ways. Through his leadership in 
football, baseball, and basketball, Coach Read has touched the lives of 
many Lumberton High students. He has been quite influential in our 
community, where he is known for his integrity and kindness.
  Recently, the loss of long-time colleague and close friend, Coach 
Alton ``Turmey'' Brooks, left a hole in the lives of Lumberton High 
School students. His passing galvanized the community to honor Coach 
Brooks, which in turn has reminded us of the quiet, humble integrity of 
Coach Finley Read. His award today from the community of Lumberton 
comes in the form of a pirate ship, in recognition of his winning 
leadership for the Lumberton Pirates. His friends, former colleagues, 
and students from all walks of life have come together to praise him 
for role as a successful mentor, devout Christian, loving husband, and 
dedicated father.
  I have known Coach Read all of my life, and I have personally 
witnessed and experienced Coach Read's powerful and positive influence 
in many different settings--from teaching me and other youngsters how 
to swim at Woodside Pool when I was in the third grade, to his giving 
me the opportunity to serve as Manager of the Pirates baseball team 
while I was in high school, to my work with him as a fellow Elder in 
our home church, First Presbyterian, in Lumberton. Coach Read, his wife 
Ruth, and all of his children, Kathy, Carey, and Allison, are dear 
friends that my family and I have long-known and respected.
  Mr. Speaker, Coach Finley Read has mentored students in Robeson 
County for decades. As Co-founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional 
Caucus on Youth Sports, I especially appreciate the work Coach Finley 
Read has done to make our community a better and healthier place. I 
wish Coach Read and his family God's richest blessings, and I ask that 
you join me today in recognition of his impressive career.

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