Samuel Earle Hobbs papers

The following remarks were made by Sen. Howell Thomas Heflin (D-AL) during the 103rd Congress, 2nd Session in tribute to Samuel Earle Hobbs.

"Mr. President, Sam Earle Hobbs, a long-time Selma, AL attorney, judge, banker, and civic and professional leader passed away on January 4. His contributions to the University of Alabama as a teacher, trustee, and chancellor were recognized with much praise. He was an outstanding citizen who served his city, State, and country in many prominent positions over the last 50 years.

Sam Earle Hobbs earned his bachelor's degree at the University of North Carolina; master's at George Washington University; law degree from the University of Alabama; and LLM from Yale University. He was awarded a doctor laws by the University of Alabama in 1987. Following 4 years as a special agent with the FBI, Sam resigned to serve during World War II as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, seeing duty in the Pacific theater. he began practicing law in Selma in 1952, served as Dallas County Court Judge, as president of the Selma-Dallas County Bar Association, and held various offices with the Alabama State Bar Association.

Sam also gave freely of his time to other causes outside his profession. He served as a member and chairman of the Selma City School Board, was president of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA Board. He was a charter member of the board of directors and chairman of the board of the Citizens Bank and Trust Co. and served in those same positions with the SouthTrust Bank of Selma. He was also active in running the New Vaughan Memorial Hospital and in his beloved Episcopal Church.

Thirty years ago, Sam was named to the board of trustees of the University of Alabama, serving there for 23 years. From 1981 to 1984, he completed a term as chairman of the board. In 1989, he was called upon to serve for a time as interim chancellor of the university system.

He was a man for all seasons at the university. He commanded the respect of the faculty, students, administration, alumni, and his fellow trustees. His keen intellect, quite, calm, and reasoned counsel helped successfully guide the university system during a period of explosive and troubling times.

Progressive service to education, the law, the State, and Nation has been a hallmark of the Hobbs family. Sam's father, Judge Samuel Francis Hobbs, is remembered as one of Alabama's finest Congressmen. His brother, Judge Truman Hobbs, has contributed to his family's tradition of progressive service as an outstanding lawyer in Montgomery, as president of the Alabama State bar, and as a U.S. district judge. Sam's son, Ralph N. Hobbs, has earned a reputation as one of Alabama's finest attorneys."

Sen. Heflin (AL). "Tribute to Sam Earle Hobbs," Congressional Record 140:15 (February 22, 1994) p. S1609. Available from U.S. GPO, Congressional Record; Accessed 3/8/13.