In Memory of Bobby Flynn

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a great American, Mr. Robert Douglas Flynn. Known to everyone as Bobby, he passed away September 22, 2022.

Bobby Flynn was born July 25, 1927, in Lexington, Kentucky. He attended Lafayette High School where he excelled in athletics, especially track and basketball. Bobby joined the United States Army and later served in the Merchant Marines. On August 3, 1946 he married Ella Ritchey. He attended the University of Dayton on a basketball scholarship. Bobby became the first white man to play on an all-black semi-pro baseball team, the Lexington Hustlers. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Bobby and Ella had 3 children, Doug, Brad, and Melanie. Bobby owned a restaurant and then pursued a career in the insurance business, where he worked for 30 years. Bobby was elected and served in the Kentucky Senate from 1968 to 1972. He served on Lexington's city council from 1988 to 1996. His love for athletics never stopped, as he enjoyed and excelled at golf, bowling, and fishing for many years. He served as a referee for football and basketball. He was the manager of press row at Rupp Arena for many years. Bobby was also involved at Keeneland, the Lexington Legends, and KHSAA games. Due to his long-time support of Lexington sports, the annual Bluegrass Sports Award is named after him. His last years were spent at Sayre Christian Village, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for service to the community.

Most importantly, Bobby Flynn was a devoted man of faith and a member of Grace Baptist Church. His faith in God directed his life and he modeled his faith in the way that he lived. He was always willing to help others, even at personal sacrifice.

It is my honor to recognize the life of Mr. Bobby Flynn; an outstanding citizen, a patriot, and a man of integrity who loved and served God through his service to the community of Lexington. America is great because of people like Bobby Flynn and I am forever grateful.

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