[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 28, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E80]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     DAN WADDELL--COMMUNITY LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 28, 2003

  Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a 
gentleman who was devoted to his community and to civic service, Dan 
Waddell of Hendersonville, North Carolina.
  Dan Waddell was born in Commerce, Georgia, on June 3, 1921. He was 
the son of John Daniel Waddell Sr. and Lillian Marie Vollrath. They 
moved their family to Hendersonville, North Carolina in 1930.
  Dan attended Hendersonville city schools, graduating from 
Hendersonville High School in 1938. He attended Brevard Junior College 
and became a member of the football team. John transferred to East 
Carolina University and in 1941 quarterbacked the team, leading it to 
an undefeated season. When Dan died, on October 19, 2001, he was headed 
to the team's Special 60th Reunion Ceremony for the 1941 team.
  Following graduation from East Carolina University, he entered the 
U.S. Army, becoming a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corps. He flew 31 
missions and was shot down over Belgium. For his service to America and 
in defense of freedom in World War II, he received the Distinguished 
Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.
  After the war, he returned to Hendersonville and started a grading 
business, which he operated for more than 40 years. In 1960, he became 
president of Rasben Oil Company and he founded the Triangle Stop Food 
Stores in 1974. Also, he was the former president of Southern Burglar 
Alarm Company, which he purchased in 1977. He became president of the 
North Carolina Petroleum Marketers Association in 1981 and in 1989 
received the Will Parker award, the most prestigious award in the 
petroleum industry in North Carolina.
  Active in community affairs in Hendersonville, Dan became a member of 
the First United Methodist Church, where he attended the Roy Johnson 
Bible Class. Dan also served his church as chairman of the board of 
trustees and finance committee member. He was also a member of the 
board of directors of Pardee Hospital. Dan held many other offices 
including the following: Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, president and 
board member of the Hendersonville Country Club, chairman of the Tree 
Board, member of the Hendersonville County Environmental Advisory 
Committee, member and board member of the Greater Hendersonville 
Chamber of Commerce, member of the Merchants Association, president of 
the Partners for Economic Progress, member of the Kiwanis Club, and 
cofounder and member of the Hendersonville High School Alumni 
Association. Dan ran for City Council in 1999, and fought diligently 
and fairly for many customers and as an advocate for local business 
interests.
  Dan was married to the former Claire Reaben of Hendersonville, who 
passed away in 1995. The former Jan Rouse of Hendersonville, North 
Carolina became John's second wife. His son, Hall and his wife Sonja 
live in Hendersonville, North Carolina. John's daughter, Sharon Johnson 
and her husband, Steve live in Hendersonville, North Carolina. John has 
four grandchildren, Christa Waddell, Beau Waddell, and Emily Johnson, 
all of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Erin Johnson of Atlanta, 
Georgia. Dr. William J. Waddell, his brother, lives in Prospect, 
Kentucky. His sister Cynthia Armstrong of Waxhaw along with three 
stepsons, Chuck, Turner, and Randy Rouse and their families live in 
Hendersonville, North Carolina. In addition to his several nieces, 
nephews, and cousins.
  Dan Waddell served his family, his community and his Nation. Dan 
Waddell--truly a member of the ``Greatest Generation.''

                          ____________________