Marion Berry

Madam Speaker, I am here today to pay tribute to Isadore Banks, a proud World War I veteran, important leader in the community, and someone I am proud to say made east Arkansas his home. In June of 1954, Isadore became the victim of a heinous racially charged murder for which his attackers were never found. I ask all my fellow colleagues to stand with me today to honor the memory of this great man and also to condemn such senseless acts of violence in the history of this Nation.

Although born in Georgia, after serving in World War I, Isadore Banks would come to call Crittenden County, Arkansas, home. As a place where racial tensions ran high at the time, Isadore made a name for himself as one of the most successful farmers in the area.

Isadore was acutely aware of troubles faced by the black community. He used his business savvy to help create a cotton gin business that helped to support other black farmers, and would often buy school supplies for black schools around town that were in need. He is

most notable for almost singlehandedly bringing electricity to the town of Marion in the 1920s.

In a time of heavy racial violence, Isadore Banks became an inspiration to the whole community, and something of a political leader. His strength and courage in the face of these challenging times, and his compassion for the plight of his fellow man will serve as a reminder to us all--that we should never carry hate in our hearts, but always love in our actions.

My blessings and prayers go to Isadore's family. We shall never forget him.

Madam Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to the Honorable Judge Steve cGuire, an eight term County Judge of Mississippi County, Arkansas. For 16 years he has worked hard to maintain a strong, unified Mississippi County that has benefited in overall wealth, job growth, and prosperity for its residents. Over the years, he has kept an open ear and mind to everyone he has worked with, and although he surely deserves his retirement he will be missed by all.

Steve has been a lifelong resident of Mississippi County. After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a business background, he earned an advanced degree in Agricultural Engineering.

A former intelligence officer of the U.S. Navy himself, Steve made it an important part of his life to continue to support veterans as a member of both the American Legion Post 24 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7075.

Steve has continued to share his knowledge and passion throughout his career as a member of the Osceola Rotary Club, Arkansas Waterways Association, Lower Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association, County Judges Association, Blytheville/Gosnell Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors, and as an Honorary Board Member of both the Blytheville and Osceola Chambers of Commerce.

I wish Steve, his wife of 46 years, Anne Tyler, and the rest of his family all my love and respect, and a long happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise here today to pay tribute to my dear friend, and great Arkansan, Bill Nix. Bill spent his whole life in Arkansas as a cattleman, and was a friend to everyone he met. Regretfully, he passed away earlier this year and leaves behind a wonderful family, great memories, and a great many friends who will miss him forever. I ask my colleagues to stand with me and honor a man whom everyone was lucky to have known.

From the start, Bill was committed to Arkansas. He grew up in Ash Flat in Sharp County, Arkansas, which he would continue to call home for the rest of his life. After graduating from Ash Flat public school, Bill bought the Ash Flat Livestock Auction in 1958. To this day, the business continues to flourish.

Bill was always very involved in county and district fair boards, as well as the Cattlemen's Association. He always participated in Future Farmers of America livestock sales, where children would play the part of the cattle and hog sellers. Bill had a loving habit of always over- compensating the children for their cattle and hogs--he loved the livestock business and was always trying to encourage others to come into the business.

Above all else, family was the most important thing in the world to Bill. They stood by each other even in business. He and his wife, Alice, and their children worked side by side in the Sale Barn, which Alice continues to own and operate today. Through this labor of love, it is no wonder that this is the most successful business in the history of the city of Ash Flat.