Remarks for Secretary Tippett
Dr. Ralph E. Gandy Jr. Bridge Dedication
Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 3 p.m.
Rockingham
Thank you, G.R., for that nice introduction, and for your ongoing service representing this area of the state on the Board of Transportation.
Mrs. Gandy, Corrine and Ralph, other members of the Gandy family and friends, thank you for inviting me here today.
Throughout our state highways and bridges are dedicated to North Carolinians who stand out among our fellow citizens for their service to their community.
These citizens have proven themselves as leaders and have made lasting contributions to the culture and quality of life we enjoy in this state.
Today, I am pleased to be with you as we add to this distinguished honor roll of public servants by dedicating the U.S. 1 bridge over the CSX railroad tracks here in Richmond County in honor of Dr. Ralph E. Gandy Jr.
This is indeed a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life serving others and was an outstanding member of the community.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "Only a life lived in service to others is worth living."
I think that quote sums up the way Dr. Gandy lived his life.
Graduating from high school at the young age of 15, he went on to attend Auburn University and studied veterinary medicine.
When he graduated at the age of 19, Dr. Gandy received his veterinary license and became the youngest practicing veterinarian in the United States at that time.
Settling in Rockingham, he established the Gandy Animal Hospital in 1953, where he cared for the county's pets for nearly 57 years.
I have learned that in addition to excellent veterinary care, most people in the community could also expect a big bear hug from Dr. Gandy at each visit.
And if they behaved, children might also receive a piece of Werther's candy.
He also served the citizens of this great city on the Rockingham City Council for more than 42 years-the longest tenure of any city official.
During that time, Dr. Gandy worked hard to pursue what he thought was just and right for the citizens of this community.
I have also been told he was an extremely compassionate person, especially the sick and those less fortunate than he.
In fact, this is the one attribute that stands out most in people's minds when they think of him.
I understand that Dr. Gandy developed this kindness and concern at an early age, while growing up on his parents' farm in Darlington County, South Carolina.
And his devotion to people also extended to his faith.
A man of deep personal conviction, Dr. Gandy served more than 49 years at Rockingham First Baptist Church.
And he wasn't afraid to take on a challenge.
I am told he even volunteered in the nursery before it was common for men to serve there.
Dr. Gandy also served on various boards and committees through the years, and I understand that he was especially active as a deacon.
Outside of church, he took great pride in being a member of American Legion Post 147.
I was also told that Dr. Gandy hardly ever met a stranger.
And that is no surprise considering his exuberant personality and great sense of humor.
Given this, it is no wonder that he was named Richmond County's Citizen of the Year in 2000.
It is certainly clear that he left a tremendously positive impact on those who knew him and is greatly missed by this entire community.
I imagine that almost everyone in this room has a story they could share of how Dr. Gandy touched their life.
Like Dr. Gandy, U.S. 1 is at the heart of Rockingham and Richmond County and a part of the daily lives of this community's citizens.
From today on, the Ralph Gandy Jr. Bridge will serve as a reminder of his life and legacy as a loving, dedicated father, husband and friend.
At this time, I would like to invite Martha Gandy, Dr. Gandy's wife, and Corrine and Ralph III, to come forward.
On behalf of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, I have the honor of presenting you each with this small replica sign in honor of Ralph's years of service to the citizens of Rockingham and Richmond County.
Thank you.
Corrine, I understand that you would like to say a few words on behalf of the family.