[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 100 (Monday, July 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO REX AND ANN THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2002

  Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the family of Rex and Ann Thomas. For eight generations this farming 
family has symbolized the tradition of the American family and our 
community values.
  The Thomas family can trace their roots in America back to the early 
1700's where their family homestead in North Carolina. The Thomas 
family remained in North Carolina until the death of William Elias 
Thomas, who died in the Civil War. His wife, Mary, went south with six 
of her nine children settling in Alabama. Their grandson, Charles 
Thomas married Blanche Stevens and moved to Santa Rosa County, FL, to 
farm new land and raise six children. Upon the retirement of Charles 
Thomas, he handed the farm over to his two sons, James and John Rex.
  Rex Thomas' passions in life were his family and agriculture. Rex 
farmed from the time of his father's retirement; he also worked in 
other areas of the agricultural world. This included farm equipment 
sales, the management of granaries, and the ownership of his farm 
supply business.
  Ann Thomas, with the help of her sons Dale and Richard, farms around 
660 acres of row crops and hay while running the farm supply business. 
John Rex Thomas Jr. lives with his family in Texas, but can be seen 
helping out around the farm whenever he is home. Lowell, Rex and Ann's 
second son, can also be seen driving a truck or tractor whenever help 
is needed.
  The Thomas family has been blessed throughout the years by having 
strong family values. Whether they are watching their grandchildren's 
T-ball games, enjoying family gatherings or at a local church function, 
Rex and Ann Thomas like to be surrounded by as many family and friends 
as possible.
  On behalf of the U.S. Congress, I would like to recognize this 
special family for the example they have set in their community. I 
offer my sincere thanks for all that they have done for northwest 
Florida.

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