In Memory of Deacon Kenneth Florence

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving father, a doting grandfather, dedicated community servant and committed man of God, Deacon Kenneth Florence. Sadly, Deacon Florence passed from labor to reward on March 13, 2024. A homegoing service to celebrate his remarkable life will be held on March 23, 2024, at the Second Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

The genesis of the life of Deacon Florence began on November 13, 1952, with his birth to the union of the late Bernard and Willard Florence in Clewiston, Florida. He was raised from birth by the late Georgian Fudge of Sanford, Florida.

Deacon Florence was educated in the Florida Public School System where he graduated in 1972 from Seminole High School. After graduating from high school, he began his lifelong love of service by enlisting in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1974.

He relocated to what would become his second home, Albany, Georgia. He attended the ASU West Campus, formerly known as Darton College, before being employed at Proctor and Gamble for 27 years.

At an early age he gave his life to Christ and joined Morning Glory Missionary Baptist Church. After his move to Albany, he joined Second Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Theodus Drake, Jr. Deacon Florence truly understood that you can only serve God by serving his people. Deacon Florence demonstrated his love for God by serving in various ministries at the church to include Sunday School Superintendent and as the head of the Security Deacons' Ministry, Executive Ministry, Transportation Ministry and several youth ministries.

Deacon Florence also understood that his service and love for God had to extend beyond the church walls. His love for community was evident by his involvement in many social and civic organizations to include Albany Community Builders, the NAACP, Black Voters Matter, Keep Albany- Dougherty Beautiful, SOWEGA Rising, the 26 Club, Masonic Lodge, Little League baseball coach and various other organizations. It has been said that ``Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy here on this Earth.'' Deacon Florence paid his rent and he paid it well. He never met a stranger and treated people how they deserved to be treated. Dr. George Washington Carver once said ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Deacon Kenneth Florence could interact with people from all walks of life and make them feel special. He was special and his legacy will live on through all the people and organizations that he touched in his special way.

Deacon Florence accomplished so much in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his family, friends, and church members who will miss him dearly.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife Vivian, and me, along with countless others in saluting and honoring Deacon Kenneth Florence for service to God and Humankind. We extend our deepest condolences to his Family, Friends, loved ones and all who mourn his loss. We pray that they all will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source