[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1848] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RAY BELL ______ HON. JIM COOPER of tennessee in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Mr. COOPER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor C. Ray Bell, a master builder who passed away on September 4, 2010. He was an outstanding member of the Nashville community, a lifelong activist, a leader in the construction industry, and my friend. Mr. Bell was born in Scottsboro, AL and raised in Shelbyville, TN. He graduated from the University of the South in 1963 with an honors degree in English and throughout his life remained a very well-read man. He worked in construction in Shelbyville for 6 years before he came to Nashville and started Ray Bell Construction Company, Inc. in 1970. His company became the State's largest construction firm and led the most significant projects in Tennessee and the South for over 30 years. Mr. Bell was a self-made man who had the enthusiasm and drive to make his business a great success. Ray Bell's company built everything: skyscrapers, interstate highways, bridges, prisons, stadiums, arenas and more. Many--including the Bicentennial Mall and Train Trestle, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Shelby Street Bridge Rehabilitation and renovations to the Nashville Court House and Criminal Justice Center, Neyland Stadium and Thompson Boling Arena--quickly became renowned landmarks in Nashville's cityscape and throughout Tennessee. Mr. Bell knew how to bid projects, pinch pennies, cut costs and complete the job ahead of schedule without sacrificing quality. He was a perfectionist for his clients, making men and construction materials come together, even salvaging the work of other firms. Ray Bell was often called a Renaissance Man because of his love for the arts, history and music. Mr. Bell's other passions included his family, politics and charitable organizations. When it came to politics, Mr. Bell firmly believed in bipartisanship and working together to accomplish common goals. He gave generously to various charities and was active with the Tennessee State Museum Foundation, Easter Seals and the Arthritis Foundation. And so, Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Ray Bell's life and accomplishments. We are grateful for his passion for construction and politics and the decades of service and contributions he provided to Nashville and the people of Tennessee. ____________________