[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [EXTE] [Pages 23070-23071] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO MR. CURTIS PARHAM REDDING ______ HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of georgia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 6, 2006 Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great man who has tirelessly dedicated his life to bettering his community. At the age of 74, Mr. Curtis Parham Redding, also known as C.P., is retiring as a Quitman County, Georgia Commissioner. He has served his community faithfully while blazing new trails for those who would follow him. C.P. was born in Quitman County to proud parents, Curtis Lowe and Ora Inez Green Redding. As the eldest of three children, he quickly learned about dedication to family, service to nation, and responsibility. Quitman County is located on the banks of Lake Walter F. George in rural Southwest Georgia. The citizens of Quitman County are known for their strong work ethic and sense of self sufficiency and regional pride, and C.P. was no exception. With the exception of a few years, C.P. lived his entire life in Quitman County and was raised to love and respect his hometown. After graduating from Georgetown High School, C.P. recognized his love for politics and most importantly people. Realizing the town lacked social services, educational services, and basic services any citizenry would require, he began working hard to become a Quitman County Commissioner in 1975. During his first tenure as a Commissioner, he served for two years. Recognizing the need for involvement and higher basic educational standards for the County, he was then appointed to the Quitman County School Board where he served until 1994. C.P. was again elected to the Quitman County Commission and took office on January 1, 1996 and during this tenure, Quitman County achieved each of the goals C.P. established. Although C.P. has decided to retire, his vision for Quitman County has not ended. C.P. has always believed that for small counties to flourish, it would be through organized coalitions. To this end, he has become active in creating and serving on Boards such as: Four County Economic Development Authority (Past Chairman), Southwest Georgia Chamber of Commerce (Past Chairman), and Southwest Georgia Housing Development Board just to name a few. He and his wife of fifty-five years, Annie Ruth Holmes who is the retired Director of the Quitman County Department of Family and Children's services, selflessly continue to devote their services to the advancement of Quitman County. As an enduring testament of his dedication to his community and fortitude as a public servant, bids are currently being taken for the construction of a building to house the Quitman County Health Services since they have outgrown their present facility. Serving the needs of his community remains paramount to C.P. Redding. Today, we thank and honor Mr. Curtis Parham Redding for his dedication and lifelong commitment to the welfare of others and [[Page 23071]] his community. His lifetime of altruistic service has made him a legend in Southwest Georgia and an inspirational figure for us all. ____________________