The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO GARLAND THOMPSON” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E573 on March 25, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO GARLAND THOMPSON
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HON. JACK KINGSTON
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great Georgian and an outstanding American citizen. I am proud to recognize Mr. Garland Thompson in the United States Congress for his invaluable contributions to his community, his state and his nation.
Mr. Garland Thompson was born on June 5, 1928 in Soperton, GA. His dad operated as a one-horse share cropper until he could save enough money to buy a small farm. Garland grew up on the farm planting row crops.
Garland showed signs of the talent, determination and achievement that have been the hallmarks of his career at an early age, when he graduated from Soperton High School. He then attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and then University of Georgia where he earned his Bachelors degree. He then attended the University of Georgia School of Banking as well as the L.S.U School of Banking.
He met his wife, Anita, in Macon and they married in June, 1943. They have four children; Kirby, Andy, Beth and Tim and five grandchildren; Betsy, Macie, Kip, Katie and Trent.
Mr. Garland Thompson was employed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 12 years in Wilkinson County, before serving 37 years in banking between C&S Bank in Dublin, GA, and Sun Trust Bank in Douglas, GA.
Mr. Thompson has served on the Douglas-Coffee County Industrial Authority board for the past 21 years. He has also served as Interim President and Director for the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce. Thirty years ago Coffee County was 90% dependent on their agriculture base. Today, they have a widely diversified economy that boasts about $200 million in the industrial base and $200 million in the agriculture base. As Garland says, ``it's about 50/50 now and we are extremely blessed''.
Garland has retired but still serves on the Georgia State Soil & Water Commission, SubBelt Exposition, ABAC Alumni Board of Directors, and has served on the Vo-Ag Advisory Committee, Georgia Extension Advisory Commission, and the G.T.E. Advisory Board. He is also a consultant on the U.S. 441 Economic Development Council.
It is my distinguished pleasure today to honor Mr. Garland Thompson for his service and dedication to Coffee County and its citizens. He remains an inspiration to us all.
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