The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DERWOOD RAY BOYLES” mentioning Mark Kelly was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on page E88 on Feb. 2.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DERWOOD RAY BOYLES
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HON. TRENT KELLY
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Derwood Ray Boyles who passed away on October 13, 2020. Colonel Boyles was a dedicated serviceman and dedicated his life to faith, family, and country. I join countless Mississippians in mourning his loss.
Born March 20, 1928 to Silas and Lurline Windham Boyles in Lorena, Mississippi, Derwood Ray Boyles and his family soon moved to Jackson, Mississippi where he spent the rest of his life. Derwood was a founding member of the Jackson Boy's Club. In 1946, he graduated from Central High School as an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. While at Central High, Derwood was also a ROTC cadet, which enabled him to join the U.S. Navy near the end of WWII. He was selected to be a squadron leader at boot camp and spent his tour of duty in the Mediterranean area on the Providence, the flag ship of the fleet. It was on this tour Derwood had the opportunity to meet Pope Pius XII.
Derwood returned stateside and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1951. He studied Accounting and soon joined his uncle at Dreyfus Insurance Agency--one of the oldest agencies in the state. He was committed to his partners, continuing to visit the office into his 90s, and was inducted into the Mississippi State University Insurance Hall of Fame in 2007.
While serving as the president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Derwood met Miss Jackson, Regina Harlan. On December 17, 1957, the two were married in Rockefeller Center in a ceremony broadcasted on NBC. The two were married for over 62 years before his passing.
Colonel Boyles dedicated 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard. He was an active member of many veteran and military organizations. In 2006 he was awarded the Spirit of Volunteerism Award by the Defense Department. He also received the Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the highest level public service award given by the Department of Defense.
Derwood is survived by his wife, Regina Harlan Boyles. Other survivors are son, MG Janson Durr Boyles; daughter, Jennifer Boyles McCall; grandchildren Durwood Graham (Gray) Boyles and Connor Boyles of Dallas, TX; Carter McCall, Sarah Douglas McCall and Matt McCall (Laura) of Knoxville, TN.
Colonel Boyles was an outstanding Mississippian who expemplified a commitment to public service. He dedicated his life to making life better for his community. I am grateful for men like Derwood who so humbly served our great state, and my deepest condolences are with those who loved him.
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