The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN MEMORY OF MOTOR MACHINIST MATE 2ND CLASS ROGER H. SPOONER
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HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today, to pay tribute to an extraordinary sailor, World War II veteran, and dedicated civil servant, Mr. Roger H. Spooner, who transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the age of 99. His funeral service was held on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. under the ``Spooner Oak'' on Bartow Gibson Highway in Seminole County, Georgia.
Roger Hern Spooner was born November 18, 1922, as one of eight children to the union of Lewis and Delia Spooner. In his pursuit of a life outside of farming, Roger answered the calI to serve his nation when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1941 at the age of 18. After completing boot camp, he was sent to the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, with a destination of Pearl Harbor, which had just been bombed. After arriving at Pearl Harbor and witnessing the remnants of damage and lingering smoke from the invasion, the crew of 2,500 sailors headed to the coast of Australia. In May of 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Roger saw action when the USS Yorktown endured damage, and the crew suffered 61 casualties. Following the gruesome battle, the carrier and crew returned to the Navy yard at Pearl Harbor for repairs. Once repairs were made, the crew made their way to Midway Island to join other ships in preparation for the Battle of Midway, which took place in June of 1942. Many historians consider it to be the most important battle in the Pacific during World War II as it was a clash between the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
During the Battle of Midway, the USS Yorktown incurred a massive hit beyond repair, and the crew was told to abandon ship. One-by-one every crew member went down a line into the water with their life preservers into water that was so oily that once they were covered, you could only see the whites of their eyes. After being stranded afloat for a day, Roger and his crewmates were rescued.
Roger served another four years in the Navy, where he attended submarine school and completed nine war patrols out of Perth, Australia. He was later discharged from the Navy as a Motor Machinist Mate Second Class, after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Following his military service, he continued to serve his community and make an impact in the lives of others by serving his fellow Veterans as a member of the American Legion Post 157, Donalsonvile.
In addition to serving, farming, and raising his family, Roger also ventured into the trucking industry. He worked for a company for almost 18 months before he decided to go into trucking for himself in 1948. From there, he started his company, Spooner Farms Trucking, LLC. His first truck was a 1940s model ``gas burner'' GMC, but over the years, he acquired several Kenworths and Peterbilts. Roger's sons, David and Dennis; and his grandson Jake, joined his trucking business, which had as many as seven trucks running and always transported produce within a 125-mile radius of the shop.
Roger's love for his wife, his service, and his passion remained active until his passing. As such, he made sure to renew his licenses and maintain the upkeep for his 1999 Peterbilt 379 affectionately named
``Miss Eloise'', which he used to haul agricultural products, including bagged and liquid commodities. The truck's number (CV5) represented the USS Yorktown's identification number with a 12.7 Detroit engine and a 10-speed.
Mr. Roger H. Spooner lived his life by the Golden Rule which states
``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' A man of great morals, he demonstrated this principle throughout his career and life, outstanding achievement, service, and public distinction. Our community, our state, and our Nation are better because of him.
Roger accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his family including his late wife, Eloise; and his sons; David and Dennis, and his grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Roger H. Spooner for his remarkable service to his community, his nation and to humankind. Moreover, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, loved ones, and all who grieve during this difficult time of bereavement. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 42(2)
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