[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            TRIBUTE TO LIONELL ``WOODY'' WOODS OF DALLAS, TX

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to a constituent who has been a fixture in the South Dallas 
community. As owner of the Shell Service station on Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Boulevard and South Central Expressway, Mr. Woods and his service 
station have strengthened the surrounding businesses and benefited 
residents in the South Dallas area. After 25 years in business and 
helping his community through many charitable and entrepreneurial 
activities, he is now retiring with acclaim as one of South Dallas' 
most successful businessmen, a man who gave advice and opportunities to 
his customers.
  Many customers can attest to the fact that for Mr. Woods, people 
matter as much, or more, than profits. For Mr. Woods, acts of kindness 
and graciousness were just as important as sales and service.
  When a community resident wanted to start a small yard-maintenance 
business employing neighborhood youths, she came to Mr. Woods for 
assistance. He supported her endeavors by providing her with gasoline 
for her lawnmowers and gave her leeway to repay him only when her 
business was established. He has also offered customers sage advice on 
areas of finance. He gave one customer counsel about the merits of 
paying cash for a used car in order to avoid debt. These are a few 
examples of Mr. Wood's selfless commitment to his community.
  Mr. Speaker, even in the face of adversity, Mr. Woods stayed in his 
community offering his services, contributions, and advice. After a 
young man put a gun to his head in a robbery attempt, which due to Mr. 
Woods' bravery was unsuccessful, Mr. Woods was not frightened and 
driven out of his community. Mr. Speaker, he was committed to remaining 
there and, after that 1981 armed robbery attempt, maintained his 
business in South Dallas through the 1980's and until this year.
  He has helped elderly neighbors cash checks and pledged part of his 
gasoline sales to Bishop College in a drive to keep it open in the 
early 1980's.
  Mr. Speaker, not only will Mr. Woods be remembered as a shrewd and 
successful businessman, he will be remembered first as a compassionate 
and caring servant to his community who repeatedly gave back and 
invested in its people.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Woods begins to enjoy his well-earned 
retirement, I would like to thank him on behalf of his community for 
his 25 years of service and contributions. It is my hope that he enjoy 
his retirement as much as we have enjoyed his concern and service to 
us.

                          ____________________