On the recordFebruary 2, 2017
Last week, the Augusta community mourned the loss of a legend in the business community--Dessey Landrum Kuhlke. Dessey was the most caring and selfless leader I had ever known. As a longtime resident of the area, Dessey graduated from Georgia Southern University and served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1965. I was fortunate enough to work for him and with him during my 35-year career in construction and the development industry. I had the opportunity to serve alongside him in the Augusta Exchange Club and sit in front of him on Sundays at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church. Dessey was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and a mentor to many in our community. He and his wife, Barbara, lost two of their children at a young age, and Dessey was the rock that held that family together. Mr. Speaker, I have recently lost two of my heroes: Arnold Palmer in September and Dessey Kuhlke last week. But through the loss, I can't help but smile when I think about the possibility of those two getting together with family in Heaven and playing a round of golf. Augusta is a better place because of Dessey Kuhlke. We will remember him often. ____________________
