Remembering Fred Thompson

Floor Speech

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Finally, Mr. President, on an entirely different and sad matter, there was never any doubt when our colleague from Tennessee was nearby--6 feet 6 inches tall, deep, booming voice, and a magnetic personality that lit up any room he was in. Fred Thompson may have towered over the Senate in a very literal sense, but he was one of the most down-to-earth guys you will ever meet. He was a true gentleman with a kind heart.

This Senator, who lived life to the very fullest, the first in his family to ever attend college, never forgot where he came from.

Now, in a weird twist of fate, it turns out that Fred and I actually came from the same place. We were both born in what was then known as the Colbert County Hospital in Sheffield, AL. But getting back to Fred's humility, how many successful actors can you say that about? You see, Senator Thompson hardly fit the Hollywood stereotype. Senator Thompson didn't fit the political stereotype either. He was just Fred. He had one of the most interesting careers you could ever imagine--Senate colleague, Watergate lawyer, Presidential candidate, and radio personality. And he was an icon of the silver and small screen alike, one who didn't just take on criminals as an actor but as a real-life prosecutor as well. That was Fred Thompson. That was the man many of us had the pleasure to serve with.

I am reminded of some words shared recently by Fred's friend of 50 years, a friend who succeeded him here in the Senate. ``Very few people could light up a room the way that Fred Thompson did,'' he said. ``I will miss him greatly.''

I join the senior Senator from Tennessee in the same sentiment. I know the entire Senate does as well, just as the Senate joins together in sending condolences to Fred's loved ones, Jeri and his children, in particular, in this very difficult time.

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