[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN MEMORY OF MR. JOSEPH ``JOE'' BLAIR, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Mr. Joseph 
``Joe'' Blair, Jr., from Everman, Texas in the 26th Congressional 
District of Texas, for his lifelong contributions to his community. Mr. 
Blair was a founder of the Wildcat Sportsman Club, which is dedicated 
to helping Dunbar High School student athletes. Mr. Blair died on 
February 21, 2006 at the age of 66.
  I would like to recognize and celebrate Joseph Blair's life. Born and 
raised in Stop Six, Mr. Blair was a long time resident of Everman. 
After graduating from Prairie View A&M University he became a local 
businessman and was owner of Hipper-Throne Shoe Repair Service. In 
addition to his professional career, he was an active member of Allen 
Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and participated on the Fort 
Worth school district's redistricting committee. Throughout his life he 
was passionate about bettering his community.
  Through the Wildcat Sportsman Club, Mr. Blair was able to mentor 
local students. Joe was proud of Dunbar High School, and he wanted the 
students there to know they were capable of achieving great things. In 
an effort to spread this message of encouragement to college students, 
he regularly planned trips to Prairie View A&M with fellow alumni to 
discuss the importance of continuing their education.
  Joe Blair has been honored by receiving a proclamation from the Fort 
Worth City Council for his many years of community service, and today, 
I extend my sympathies to his family and friends on his passing.
  The compassion shown by Mr. Joseph Blair is truly remarkable, and he 
should serve as an example to all. Such a man can never be replaced and 
will be dearly missed.

                          ____________________