The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“REMEMBERING GARY SPEARS” mentioning John Boozman was published in the Senate section on page S129 on Jan. 25.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING GARY SPEARS
Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the life of an outstanding Arkansan and Cleveland County leader, Judge Gary Spears. After a multiyear battle with cancer, Judge Spears passed away on January 10, 2021.
Judge Spears grew up on a small farm in New Edinburg, AR, and graduated with honors from New Edinburg High School in 1987. He attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he studied agricultural business before marrying his wife Melody. The couple moved to Warren, AR, where Judge Spears worked as a distributor for Big R Ice. The couple eventually returned to New Edinburg in 1996 and purchased the New Edinburg County Store, which they operated together for 10 years.
In 2007, Judge Spears was elected Cleveland County Judge, marking the start of an illustrious 14-year career as the longest serving county judge in county history. His undeniable leadership while presiding over Cleveland County had ripple effects that extended beyond the county borders and brought tremendous benefit to the entire State. A few recent and notable achievements during his tenure include successful efforts to ensure an accurate 2020 census count for Cleveland County and directly overseeing the county's finances during the COVID-19 pandemic by authorizing and approving the disbursement of funds.
Representing the citizens of Cleveland County was a clear passion for Judge Spears. He was also dedicated to farming. On the exact 10-acre plot that his father once farmed, Judge Spears worked diligently to continue his family's unique tradition of ``truck-patch farming.'' He grew various crops, including tomatoes, beans, peas, squash, cucumbers, watermelons, peppers, and much more. In fact, his family's agriculture operation gained deserved recognition in 2019 when they were named Cleveland County Farm Family of the Year.
Judge Spears leaves behind a lasting legacy thanks to the confidence entrusted in him by his Cleveland County constituents. I am confident his selfless leadership as a Cleveland County judge, businessman, and family farmer will guide and inspire future generations of Arkansans.
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