IN MEMORY OF MR. BOBBY BEAGLES

IN MEMORY OF MR. BOBBY BEAGLES

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E170-E171] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] IN MEMORY OF MR. BOBBY BEAGLES ______ HON. DANIEL WEBSTER of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, February 27, 2025 Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life of my good friend, Mr. Bobby Beagles, who passed away on February 16, 2025, and is survived by his loving wife, Vickie, son, Thomas, daughter, Rachel, and his five grandchildren. Bobby was a loyal friend of mine for almost 60 years who dedicated his life to advocating for Florida's agriculture industry. Born on April 6, 1942, in Samson, Alabama, Bobby later moved to Florida, where we shared an alma mater, Maynard Evans High School, and community, Pine Hills, Florida. Following his graduation in 1961, Bobby began his lifetime service to the Central Florida community. Bobby first served as an area representative for the Communications Workers of America for over 20 years. Representing an area of Florida that stretched from Jacksonville to Tampa, it was through this opportunity that Bobby first developed his passion for the political arena, an opportunity he contributed to his later years of service to Florida's agricultuie industry. From 1993 to 2000, Bobby served as President, Vice President, and Director of the Orange County Cattlemen's Association. It was [[Page E171]] during this tenure that he also began serving on the Orange County Agricultural Advisory Board, a committee established as the voice for agriculture within the government of Orange County. Bobby took the lead on several issues but is best known for playing a vital role in the establishment of a vibrant agricultural education program in Orange County Public Schools. Thanks to his leadership, there is now an agriculture program in every middle and high school in Orange County, Florida. Perhaps Bobby's most well-known role was through his service to the Orange County Farm Bureau. Bobby served in every position within Orange County Bureau and holds the distinct honor of the longest serving President. After his service on the Board of Directors, he continued devoting his time to the Farm Bureau as Executive Director, a position he held for 38 years. Aside from his professional service, Bobby still devoted his time to growing the agriculture community within Central Florida. Through his cow-calf operation in Christmas, Florida that he established in 1956, serving in multiple capacities with the Central Florida Fair since 1987, serving as Chairman of the Large Animal Evacuation Team to aid livestock during natural disasters and emergencies, and serving on the Orange County Public Schools Career & Technical Education Advisory Board from 2013 to 2022, Bobby dedicated his life to serving Central Florida's agriculture industry. Bobby was honored for his years of service by receiving many awards and acknowledgements including his induction into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame, National FFA Honorary American Degree, Florida Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award, Honorary State FFA American Degree, Partners in Education Award, Certificate of Appreciation for Commitment to Orange County Public Schools, and the Jefferson Award. There is no question that Bobby's commitment to agriculture was everlasting, and his legacy will continue to live on. It is hard to imagine Florida agriculture without Bobby. He embodies exactly what agricultural advocacy works to represent. Throughout his life, Bobby worked tirelessly to grow, advance, and defend Central Florida agriculture, especially through his commitment to supporting youth involved in the industry. He will forever be remembered as a man of honor, of humility, and as one who served his community with the utmost dedication. I am truly thankful for Bobby's friendship and service to the Central Florida community. ____________________