[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 90 (Wednesday, July 13, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM H. LEWIS SR.

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, on June 12, Prof. William H. Lewis, Sr., 
passed away in Huntsville at the age of 91. Professor Lewis' lifelong 
commitment to education and the people of his community earned him the 
title ``Legend of Burrell Slater School.''
  William Lewis was born in Greensboro, AL, on March 31, 1903. He 
attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, the University of Cincinnati, 
and Fisk University in Nashville. He began his teaching career at Snow 
Hill Institute in Alabama. In 1928, Professor Lewis moved to Florence, 
AL, where he served as principal of Burrell-Slater School for 37 years. 
He also held positions as teacher, band director, and football coach. 
His teaching career spanned 36 years at several different schools.
  Professor Lewis was not only a legend in his own schools, he was a 
pioneer and role model for all black youth. He organized the first Boy 
Scout Troop for black boys and the first black youth band. He was also 
a founder of the North Alabama High School Athletic Conference, 
encompassing 26 schools across north Alabama.
  During the course of his long and distinguished career, Professor 
Lewis received more than 155 plaques and citations for his 
participation in school, church, and civic affairs. He was one of the 
first blacks to join the Kiwanis Club. His generous contributions to 
such organizations as Meals on Wheels, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the 
New Florence Masonic Lodge, United Way, and the Tennessee Valley 
Community Church reveal his spirit of giving.
  A long-time friend said after Lewis' death that he never hesitated to 
contribute wherever and whenever he was called upon, and this sentiment 
was echoed among several friends and colleagues. Indeed, his 
graciousness, personal discipline, and humble spirit had a great impact 
on his students, who will carry his legacy with them into the future. 
He will be remembered for years to come not only as the ``Legend of 
Burrell-Slater,'' but also as an inspiration to all Alabamians.

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