[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4] [Senate] [Pages 5428-5429] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]REMEMBERING BRANNON WOODHAM Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, Brannon Woodham was one of the finest people I have ever known. He combined a deep and mature Christian faith, a love of family that constantly showed itself in his conversations and actions, a rich appreciation of the exceptional nature of his country which he had faithfully served for so many years, and a loyalty to his friends and church. We were in the same Sunday School class for over 30 years. Ever positive and welcoming, he was one of the constants--a rock really-- that set the class's tone and direction. This fellowship and spiritual journey meant much to him and enriched his classmates. That on this day Brannon would want no pomp and circumstance, there can be no doubt. But, if it were done, he would say better it be done quickly, and, importantly, honestly because he was indeed an honest man. In fact, I think he would want me to express his love to all of you and to note--what we already know--that if his honesty had [[Page 5429]] offended anyone, he would ask pardon, shaking his head ruefully saying he couldn't help it, that was just the way he was made. In Sunday School class, he was a wise and perceptive participant. He had great spiritual depth, Scriptural knowledge, and mature beliefs. He did not speak too often but when he had something to say, he said it-- in plain words. Often his wit brought a burst of laughter--usually because he had hit the nail on the head. As Jesus might say, ``You are close to the kingdom, brother.'' Importantly, those beliefs that he stated, he lived. Mary and I were honored to be among his friends and were always pleased to have his invitation to his home in the woods when he hosted his storied church supper club. That was a special time of food and fellowship, on his bridge, getting a tour of his workshop--to be at ``his place,'' which he had shared with his beloved Ursula, his partner for 48 years, and to have a direct look into the heart of a great man who lived a good life. Mary and I often enjoyed lunch with Brannon after church at the Whistle Stop or some such place. In those conversations, his principles shone through and he would talk with pride and joy of his children, grandchildren, the baseball games, going to Auburn, working together. They had a unique bond. Brannon believed in honesty and hard work--the Protestant ethic, if you will, for which he made no apology. Politically, he was not a party man, following, I suppose, the best traditions of good civil servants. But he was an encourager to me. He wanted me to be a ``statesman,'' not a politician. I would indeed feel very badly if I had failed him in this regard. You may not know that he was an excellent writer. He wrote me many handwritten letters--long ones--that I cherish. They were filled with wisdom, good values, sound policy ideas, and what he was hearing from the community. A year or so ago, he gave me a copy of a plan he helped write some 40 years ago as part of a committee for the development of Mobile. He was proud of their work, and indeed their concepts and vision are still valid today. His accomplishments are many. One of his most important was the critical role he played in the 'growth and character of Ashland Place United Methodist Church for four decades. As a Southeastern Conference champion wrestler at Auburn, he demonstrated courage, strength, and discipline. There are just two in the ring and only one winner. He was a consistent winner. I have come to understand the importance of our top civilian personnel at our military bases. Generals come and go but able civilians keep the bases running. Our civilian leaders are crucial to our military's success, and they are promoted on merit and on performance. At Robbins Air Force Base, Brannon led the avionics section that consisted of some 2,300 personnel. A place where errors are not allowed. I visited him in the hospital, not long after his heart surgery. I thought he looked good, and he felt confident. But Brannon was no Polyanna. He was a realist. His words and manner conveyed that he well knew that he had had serious surgery, that nothing was guaranteed, and in the scheme of things life is short--``but a vapor'' the Scripture says. Daughter Ursula says later on during his final illness, and as he weakened, he knew the end was near and he was at peace. Of that I have no doubt. See, he knew he had had a good life of family and friends. He had done his best to be true. He was confident in his salvation. He felt blessed. And right he was. So we celebrate honestly this remarkable and good man: a champion and fearless wrestler; a great leader at one of our Nation's military bases; a pillar of his church; a faithful and loving husband; an example to all in love of family; a man of principles and conviction; a man of courage, honesty, and honor; but humble, encouraging, and loving. His values represent the highest and best of our faith, and of our Nation. His family has received a great legacy--which to their credit they fully recognize--and we, his friends, a true lesson in how to live a ``good'' life. Well done, good friend. ____________________