[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E546]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ACHIEVING THE AMERICAN DREAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Monday, funeral 
services were conducted in the Midlands of South Carolina for two 
gentlemen who symbolized achieving the ``American Dream'' of 
extraordinary fulfillment promoting their families.
  Louis Gonda and E.D. Phillips will always be cherished in our 
community for their service to others.
  Louis Gonda was born in Murska-Lobota, Yugoslavia, and immigrated at 
age four to Cuba. In 1960, he fled with his family to America for 
freedom, where he established the innovative Fergon Tool & Machine Co.
  His courage was proven when he was preparing to flee Communist Cuba. 
He bought multiple suitcases at a local shop, and as he arrived home, 
the secret police met him to interrogate him about his unusual 
purchase. The totalitarian enforcers accepted his story that his 
children were taking a short trip to New York to visit a sick aunt.
  E.D. Phillips was a proud native of South Carolina and graduate of 
the University of South Carolina. As an independent entrepreneur, he 
founded the Phillips Farmer Garden and Phillips Plants at the State 
Farmers Market. He courageously ran as a pioneer for the State House at 
the beginning of the new Republican Party in 1968 and 1970. He and his 
late wife, Emily, were among the founding members of Republican efforts 
in Richland, Orangeburg, and Lexington Counties providing the 
foundation for dozens of successful candidates at the county, State, 
and Federal levels. In 1988, they were Congressional District chairmen 
for President George H.W. Bush.
  Both Mr. Gonda and Mr. Phillips were married to active, strong, and 
supportive wives, who partnered with them to raise outstanding children 
as loving families.
  Mr. Gonda is survived by his wife, Nena, who he met when he was 11 
and she was 8. Their children are Luis Gonda, Maria Gonda Smoak, Diane 
Gonda, Frank Gonda, and Rick Gonda. Services were at St. Peter's 
Catholic Church of Columbia.
  Mr. Phillips is survived by his children Becky Phillips, Deedie 
Belangia, Jackie Finch, Hal Phillips, and Steve Phillips. Services were 
held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Windsor Lake 
Ward of Columbia.

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