He was a mentor, role model, standard bearer, trailblazer and one of the most extraordinary public servants of the 20th century.
Sixty years ago as a 30-year-old candidate for Congress here in Southeast Tennessee, Bill Brock trained himself how to speak publicly. With his soft, thoughtful approach he went on to serve eight years in the US House of Representatives, six years in the U.S. Senate, then he chaired the Republican National Committee when Ronald Reagan was elected President. Reagan then appointed him U.S.
Trade Ambassador and later Secretary of Labor.
After this 30 years of distinguished public service, he remained very active in education reforms and non-partisan efforts to improve government.
Recently, he and I worked together on the Reformers Caucus of Issue One, a bi-partisan group of more than 200 former Members of Congress and cabinet secretaries united around ways to restore confidence in Congress and the Executive Branch.
Personally, he was my role model. I “stood on his shoulders.” He set the standard for integrity and decency. Throughout East Tennessee he energized a generation to engage in politics so that public service would once again be a noble calling to help your fellow man.
There never would have been Congressman Zach Wamp if there wasn’t first Congressman Bill Brock. Thank you, Bill Brock.
His contributions to our region, state and nation are a testament to the very best of public service.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
His 90 years of life truly made a positive impact on the world around him.
I am confident our Lord greeted him this day with “well done my good and faithful servant.”
Zach Wamp
Member of U.S. Congress 1995-2011