[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 11901-11902] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM ``BILL'' EDWARDS ______ HON. MIKE ROSS of arkansas in the house of representatives Monday, June 9, 2008 Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my dear friend William ``Bill'' Edwards of Hot Springs, Arkansas, who passed away June 1, 2008, at the age of 79. I will forever remember Bill Edwards as a good friend, a devoted public servant and someone who cared deeply about improving the quality of life in Hot Springs and Garland County Arkansas. As a natural born leader, he excelled at every task he took on and was an inspiration to all of us who knew him. Bill Edwards served the people of Hot Springs as Alderman and City Director for more than 35 years, however, most people just knew him as a caring friend. He was one of those rare individuals who never forgot the importance of maintaining a high degree of customer service to ensure that all those he worked with over the years were in good hands. From his very first day on the job working for the people of Hot Springs and Garland County, his number one priority was always the person he was talking with, and he would not stop working until he had exhausted every possibility to help out that individual. Bill Edwards's leadership in Hot Springs was guided by his dedication to the city and to all of those who work and reside in our beloved state. I truly believe the Hot Springs Sentinel Record, the local paper which covered him over the years, said it best in their editorial on June 3, 2008, by stating, ``It is not an exaggeration to say that this director had a `heart for Hot Springs.' '' Whether it was helping a constituent, promoting tourism in the city, or simply putting a big smile on a friend's face, he knew only one way to do it--with a big heart. Bill Edwards will always be known for his outstanding service to Hot Springs and the surrounding communities. I extend my deepest condolences to his two daughters, Brenda Deaton of Texarkana, Texas, and Laura Rivera of Leander, Texas; his two sisters, Margaret Bennett of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Martha Young of Hot Springs, Arkansas; his three brothers Jimmy Edwards, Charles Edwards and Mike Edwards, all of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and to his nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Bill Edwards will [[Page 11902]] be greatly missed in Hot Springs, and I am truly saddened by this loss. ____________________