[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE ON THE PASSING OF DR. HARGROVE F. WOOTEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2000

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, tonight I pay tribute to an 
outstanding man, community leader and distinguished Physician, Dr. 
Hargrove F. Wooten. I was saddened at hearing of the passing of Dr. 
Wooten: husband, father, grandfather,colleague, and friend to those who 
knew him.
  Dr. Wooten was born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 9, 1925. As a 
child, he attended local public schools in Jacksonville. In 
Jacksonville, Dr. Watson dreamed of enriching the life of his community 
and becoming a doctor. He would later pursue his dreams at Xavier 
University in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he earned his Bachelor of 
Science Degree in Pharmacy and Meharry Medical College, where he earned 
his doctorate in medicine. At these two prestigious and renowned 
universities, his goals to pursue a medial career were nurtured and his 
dedication to his community was enriched.
  Dr. Watson continued to further his education by obtaining his Master 
of Science degree at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and 
completed his residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Texas 
Health Science Center. After completing his medical degree, he serves 
an intern through a rotating internship in Houston and was the first 
African-American to intern at the Memorial Hospital system.
  As a practicing pharmacist and CEO of the self entitled Wootsen's 
Pharmacy Chain, a university physician for the
  Throughout his lifetime, Dr. Wooten's leadership was sought and 
admired by many of his peers. He served as the President of both the 
Houston Pharmaceutical Association, the Lone Star State Pharmaceutical 
Association, and the Houston Medical Forum. In 1994-1996, Dr. Wooten 
was elected by Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity to be their Grand Sire Archon. 
In addition, he was a member in sixteen honorary, professional and 
civic organizations including the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, 
Chi Delta Mu Professional Fraternity and the American Academy of 
Ophthalmology.
  As a husband, Dr. Wooten was his wife's best friend, companion, and 
advisor. As a father, he was his three daughters' counselor, aide, and 
friend. A father in the true sense of the word and a man of the finest 
hour, Dr. Wooten was a friend, mentor and counselor to many. His 
daughters, Florence, Patrice and Sharon knew that he loved them through 
his 49 years of matrimony to their mother, Eleanor.
  At this sad time, I offer the Wooten Family my deepest sympathy. 
While I am aware that no words of consolation can ease the hurt and 
sense of loss that you now feel, I hope that in time, you will be 
comforted by the legacy of accomplishments that he left behind. I hope 
that the fond memories of experiences you shared with him will continue 
to inspire you in the future.

                          ____________________