[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 18, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN TRIBUTE TO CHIEF JOSEPH WHITE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EVA M. CLAYTON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 17, 2000

  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to 
express my condolences to the family of Chief Joseph White, whose 
tragic and untimely passing, in the line of duty, we mourn. His wife, 
Joyce, his three children, his two foster children, his grandson and 
two foster grandchildren should know, that while their grief is heavy, 
comfort may be found in those close to them, friends and family, who 
will gather to acclaim his life. This husband and father was indeed a 
hero, cut down by a gun, while doing his job.
  For nearly 30 years, Chief White gave of himself as a law enforcement 
officer, after retiring from the United States Navy. He served in a 
range of roles before becoming Chief at Rich Square a year and a half 
ago. He has been described as soft-spoken, yet effective. He was often 
seen with his 13-year-old grandson, a tough yet tender law man.
  Chief White has now been called to rest and to reside in a place of 
total peace. God's finger has gently touched him and he now sleeps. I 
am confident that he has left a lasting impression on those who came to 
know him, and the principles that guided him will now serve as 
guideposts for those he leaves behind. I am also certain that 
throughout his life, he remained a caring friend, a devoted and loving 
family member, and a committed and dedicated father and husband.
  He shall surely be missed. I feel certain, however, that he would 
want all of us to rejoice in his life and the time he spent on this 
earth.
  The passing of a loved one is always very hard to understand, but God 
has the situation in-hand. Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verses 1 through 8 
is instructive. It reads in part, ``To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . .  A time to be born, 
and a time to die.'' And while his friends and family will greatly miss 
the Chief, I want to remind them that strength can be found in their 
continued support of one another. That is what he worked for all of his 
life. That is what he would want.
  And, a special word for his wife and children. It is my hope that 
your family will be comforted by the fact that God in His infinite 
wisdom does not make mistakes. Your husband, father and grandfather 
will live on forever in your hearts and minds through your cherished 
memories of his life and the time you had with him. Please continue to 
support one another, and I will pray for God's rich blessings on each 
of you. May God comfort and help your family and friends and help all 
of you to hold on to treasured yesterdays; and reach out with courage 
and hope to tomorrow, knowing that your beloved is with God. Death is 
not the end of life. It is the beginning of an eternal sleep. Chief 
Joseph White lived his life in sacrifice so that all of us could live 
our lives in pride. He has labored long. He now rests.

                          ____________________