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.
“IN HONOR OF FORMER GEORGIA REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT F. RAY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E767-E768 on June 5, 2018.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF FORMER GEORGIA REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT F. RAY
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HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable statesman, farmer, and public servant, former Representative in the Georgia General Assembly Mr. Robert F. Ray. Sadly, Representative Ray passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. His passing marks the close of a long and prolific life, and his departure leaves a void in the hearts of many Georgians, A memorial service for Representative Ray was held on Friday, June 1, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.
Robert Franklin Ray was born in Crawford County, Georgia to the union of William McCrary Ray and Thelma Crutchfield Ray on their family-owned farm. Robert's passion for farming and agriculture began during his childhood, as he helped his family plant and harvest crops on their farm, which is now a pecan orchard.
Robert's passion for farming and agriculture motivated him to build an impressive career which began at the age of 19 when he was elected President of the Crawford County Farm Bureau. By age 22, he had served as a member of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners before going on to serve two terms on the Crawford County Board of Education. He also served as the Assistant Commissioner for Marketing for the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Manager of the State Farmers Market in Macon, Georgia. In 1982, Robert was elected to the Georgia General Assembly, where he served 12 terms and represented Crawford County and portions of Bibb, Houston, Lamar, Monroe, Peach, and Upson counties.
During his 24 year tenure, Representative Ray served as a member on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Industry and Rules, House Journals, and Small Business Committees as well as the Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. Representative Ray made agriculture his first priority as he worked diligently to ensure that the interests of farmers were supported and protected and led the charge to give poultry farmers rights in contract negotiations. His legacy also includes spearheading legislation and funding to support education and economic development, which was instrumental in the establishment of Georgia's system of tourism routes and the creation of toll-free calling zones in the Middle Georgia area.
In addition to his political career, Robert was actively involved in the communities that he served. He presided on a variety of boards, served in a number of organizations at the local and state levels, and received numerous awards and commendations.
Robert accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would have been possible without his enduring faith in God and the love and support of his wife, Jennifer; his children, Lisa, Robin, Bob, and Adam; and his siblings and grandchildren.
On a personal note, Representative Ray and I served in the State House together and I was blessed with his friendship, counsel, and support over the years. Representative Ray was a great representative for Middle Georgia and a stellar example of how a public servant should serve his constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, along with my wife, Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to former Representative Robert F. Ray for his remarkable leadership in our great State of Georgia. He shall be remembered as an outstanding statesman, a champion of education, and an advocate for hard-working farmers. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and, loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
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