Kirk Watson: “I rise to pay tribute to a recently deceased great American, Ulysses Bradshaw Kinsey. As a boy, Mr. Kinsey grew up on a…”

“I rise to pay tribute to a recently deceased great American, Ulysses Bradshaw Kinsey. As a boy, Mr. Kinsey grew up on a large farm where he shared responsibilities with his older siblings. Mr. Kinsey's values of fairness, compassion, and personal integrity were learned from his father and mother. He closely observed and admired his beloved father's fair treatment of people regardless of race and stature. He also admired his mother for her kindness and compassion towards others. This strong foundation would become the basis for Mr. Kinsey's personal and professional values. While attending Florida A&M, he met and married his wife of 63 years. With their children they were loving and unfailing in their devotion. Mr. Kinsey believed that the best way to love his children was to love their mother. He encouraged independence of action and attitude while loyally supporting them and allowing them to develop in directions of their own choosing. At the same time, he set well-defined limits that were firm and consistent. Mr. Kinsey's focus on the individual development and welfare of each child was transferred to his professional life in a long distinguished career as an educator. In 1941, he began his career as a social studies and history teacher at his high school alma mater. By 1943, he became assistant principal and also served as school treasurer, junior class sponsor, and athletic director. In September of 1950, at the birth of his sixth child, Mr.…”