Press Releases

Washington, DC—January 28, 2020....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today spoke on the House floor to honor the lives and legacies of David Glass, former Walmart Chief Executive Officer and owner of the Kansas City Royals, and Forrest Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats, who both passed away this month. David and Forrest exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit of the Natural State and transformed the business and fishing industries that they helped lead. Womack’s tribute recognizes their accomplishments and contributions to Arkansas and the nation.

A transcript of Womack’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, can be found below. Additionally, you can watch his full speeches by clicking on the following links: David Glass (video) and Forrest Wood (video).

Rep. Womack honors David Glass (above) and Forrest Wood (below) on the House floor

David Glass Speech:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of David Glass.

“David was born in 1935 and grew up in Mountain View, Missouri. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and then earned a degree from Missouri State. He started a career in business – eventually making his way to Arkansas.

“He was hired by the famous Sam Walton in 1976 as Chief Financial Officer for Walmart, a young discount retailer at the time. Nobody knew then, but his hiring would transform the company.

“An entrepreneur in his own right, David helped further unleash the potential of the organization. Under his leadership, Walmart grew exponentially and transformed from a rural chain into the international business we know today.

“During his tenure as CEO, he led the building of supercenters, introduced the sale of grocery items, helped develop automated distribution centers, and increased international acquisitions and operations.

“He advanced the company into the future while maintaining the founding principles of Sam Walton. He might not admit it - but much of the success of Walmart and growth of our region is a reflection of his work.

“His business expertise was only rivaled by his love of baseball. He famously helped keep the Royals franchise from leaving Kansas City in 1993. Under his ownership, the team saw two American League pennants and a World Series trophy in 2015.

“His passion for the sport, team, and city helped bring success on the field.

“Whether in Arkansas or Kansas City, the contributions David made will long be remembered. I had the privilege of knowing him not only as a businessman and novel thinker – but as a friend.

“I hope you will join me in celebrating his life and praying for his wife, Ruth, and his children – Dan, Don, Dayna – and their families.

“I yield back the balance of my time.”

Forrest Wood Speech:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a legend in Arkansas business – the founder of Ranger Boats: the late Forrest Wood.

“Forrest was born in Flippin, Arkansas in 1932, and his life reflected everything the Natural State has to offer.

“As a pioneer with a love for the outdoors, Forrest spent his time raising cattle and acting as a guide on Bull Shoals Lake, the White River, Buffalo River, and Crooked Creek. He became known throughout the region as an elite fishing guide.

“He eventually leveraged his skills on the water to create a float trip business – and in 1968 he began building lake boats. That year, he built six boats. Named after the Army Rangers and the Texas Rangers – Forrest’s Ranger Boats – quickly became a household name in America.

“He soon went from producing 6 to 600 boats – and his novel concept became the modern bass boat. Forrest’s ingenuity and vision transformed the boating and fishing industry across the nation.

“No one I know of has loved or served Arkansas’s great outdoors more than Forrest. Whether as an entrepreneur, instructor, or former Chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission – he was committed to ensuring people enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.

“He will be forever remembered as a legend in the fishing industry – and I believe his biggest asset was his redeeming personality. He was a loyal friend, mentor, and dedicated family man. His genuine smile and caring nature will be sorely missed.

“As he is laid to rest this week, I ask that you keep his wife, Nina, and the entire Wood family in your prayers.

“I yield back the balance of my time.”

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations defense and transportation, housing and urban development subcommittees.

womack.house.gov

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