Pat & Gus Buttram

Tribute to Maxwell Emmett “Pat” Buttram and Augustus McDaniel “Gus” Buttram. The Speaker pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt) is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. Aderholt. Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 1915, a star and a humanitarian was born, Maxwell Emmett, better known as “Pat” Buttram of Addison, Alabama, in Winston county brought laughter and untold hours of sheer enjoyment to citizens across this great Nation. His film career spans 46 years from the early days as Gene Autry’s sidekick to his parts as a voice in four of Disney’s animated movies. Millions of television viewers will remember Pat for his role as the affable Mr. Haney in the television series “Green Acres” and “Petticoat Junction.” Pat had a keen wit in the style of Will Rogers and was a much sought after speaker.

Pat was brought up in a Methodist parsonage, son of a circuit-riding Methodist minister. He was the seventh child in a family of five boys and three girls. Pat never forgot the early lessons taught by this strong, God-fearing family. Concern for others was a staple in the Buttram household. As Pat’s fame grew, he used his celebrity status to perform in benefits and shared his time and talents to help those less fortunate. He never forgot his roots or the place he called home. He donated not only money, but also his time to help build Camp Maxwell near his home in Alabama. This camp has played an important part in the lives of youth and the handicapped.

Pat died in Hollywood, California, on January 8, 1994, and was laid to rest in his family church at Maxwell Chapel in Winston County, Alabama.

While maybe not as well known, Pat’s older brother, Gus Buttram, who lives in my hometown of Haleyville, was equally committed to serving others. Gus was born on June 21, 1913. While in high school, Gus suffered a paralysis that was brought on by tuberculosis. After surgery and rehabilitation, he graduated from Altoona High School in Etowah County, Alabama. Following graduation from Athens State in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in science and history, Gus married Rebecca, better known as Becky Buttram Eppes of Goodwater, Alabama, on January 18, 1943. He followed his father into the ministry as a fourth generation Methodist minister. His first church appointment was at Remlap Methodist Church in Blount County, Alabama. Over the next 3 decades he would have many assignments in north Alabama.

Gus and Becky’s desire to serve others is unquestioned. Turning down more lucrative career paths, Gus and Becky enriched the lives of those they serve. Retiring in 1978, Gus and Becky live at Pebble, near Haleyville, in Winston County, Alabama. They take great pride in their children, Mary Buttram Young, who is a dialysis nurse at Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield, Alabama and Marvin McDaniel, better known as “Mac” Buttram, who is pastor of St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Cullman, Alabama, and is a fifth generation Methodist minister.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege today to recognize these two brothers, Gus and Pat Buttram, for their unselfish service to others.

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