[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2234-E2235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF JOHNNY CACE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I speak memory of a legendary 
East Texan, Johnny Cace of Longview, TX, who died recently at the age 
of 83. Johnny Cace was a household name in East Texas. His restaurant 
that bears his name is part of the culture of Longview, and Johnny was 
known as one of Longview's leading ambassadors of good will.
  Johnny was devoted to his family, his community, and his church--and 
he was a friend to so many from all walks of life. Born Jan. 8, 1917, 
in New Orleans, he grew up working with his father at their oyster camp 
between school years, where he learned to harvest oysters and catch 
fish and cook. After graduating from Buras High School in 1933 as 
salutatorian of his class, he attended Louisiana State University and 
then moved with his family to Shreveport to open an oyster and seafood 
market. Johnny volunteered for the U.S. Air Force during World War II 
and served four years as mess sergeant of officers' mess at Moore Field 
in McAllen.
  Following the War, Johnny married Valerie Savony, now deceased, and 
moved to Longview in 1949, opening Johnny Cace's Seafood & Steak House. 
The restaurant moved to its present location in 1964 and expanded 
several times to its current seating capacity of 450. It is a popular 
location for various civic luncheons and special events in Longview, 
and its reputation for excellence has attracted patrons from all over 
the State of Texas.
  Johnny was active and involved in the restaurant until his recent 
hospitalization. He served as president of the Texas Restaurant 
Association in 1967 and received the distinguished service award that 
year. He also served on TRA's State Advisory Council and was a longtime 
member of the board of directors of the East Texas Chapter of TRA and 
the state board of TRA. He was chosen as Texas Restaurant Association 
Man of the Year in 1967, was selected as Outstanding Restaurateur in 
1961 by the East Texas Restaurant Association and as Outstanding 
Restaurateur in the State in 1970. In 1985, Johnny was selected as a 
member of the Texas Restaurant Association Hall of Honor, the highest 
honor one can receive in TRA.
  Johnny's accomplishments in Longview were just as noteworthy. He was 
a lifetime member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, having served as 
president and two terms on the board of directors. He was a founding 
member of Junior Achievement of East Texas. He served as district 
chairman of the Sustaining Membership Drive of Boy Scouts of the East 
Texas area. He was a past vice president of Longview Civitan Club. He 
served on the board of directors of Longview Bank & Trust Co., the Good 
Shepherd Hospital Foundation Board and the Operations Committee of St. 
Anthony's Catholic Church. As a member of the Longview Council of 
Knights of Columbus, Johnny was a Past Grand Knight of the Third Degree 
and Past Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree.
  Johnny's other honors include the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver 
Award for Distinguished Service to Boyhood; the Headliner Award from 
the Professional Journalists; Man of the Year award by the Longview 
Federated Club; the East Texas Heritage Award from the Festival in the 
Pines; and in 1999, the Longview Partnership Chairman's Award. Johnny 
was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Elks Club, 
Pinecrest Country Club and the Delta Fishing Club.
  He is survived by his wife, Margaret Gregory Cace of Longview; son 
John III and daughter-in-law Linda of San Antonio; son Gerard and 
daughter-in-law Cathy of Longview; and son Danny and daughter-in-law 
Sarah of Tyler; seven grandchildren; a sister, Rose Cace Sanders of 
Shreveport; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
  Johnny Cace genuinely liked people and always had a smile and a kind 
word to say to those he met. He was a friend to so many from all walks 
of life--and he was liked by all who knew him. He was truly one of 
Longview's most influential ``goodwill ambassadors,'' and he leaves a 
legacy of goodwill that will be remembered for many years to come. He 
also leaves a powerful family legacy

[[Page E2235]]

in his sons, who are carrying on the family restaurant business and 
will help keep the Cace legend alive. Gerard operates the Longview 
establishment; Danny operates the restaurant in Tyler, and John 
operates the restaurant in San Antonio.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to pay my last respects in the 
Congressional Record to an outstanding American and an exemplary 
individual who was beloved by his family, friends, and the citizens of 
Longview, and who will be truly missed--Johnny Cace.

                          ____________________