[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E765]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER R.E. ``GENE'' BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pender 
County Commissioner R.E. Brown of Burgaw, North Carolina, who recently 
passed away at the age of 85. Affectionately referred to as ``Gene'' by 
those who knew him and those he served, Commissioner Brown had been a 
commissioner in the town of Burgaw for over 20 years and was serving as 
mayor pro-tempore. As a native of southeastern North Carolina and as a 
public servant, he offered an unwavering service to everything he did 
and to everyone who knew him, and he had admirable commitment to his 
responsibilities as an elected official.
  Truly an asset to his community, Commissioner Brown understood the 
people he represented and cared deeply about making a positive 
difference in their lives. Over his lifetime, Brown dedicated himself 
to both government and public service. He was a member of the U.S. Army 
during World War II, and afterward he served for 42 years as the 
postmaster in the towns of Burgaw and Wallace. He was active in several 
community organizations, including the Burgaw Jaycees, the Burgaw 
Lions, the King Solomon #138 Masonic Lodge, and was an original member 
of the Pender County Rescue Squad. He was chairman of the Pender Adult 
Services executive board. A man of faith, he was also a member of 
Burgaw Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school 
teacher. In honor of his extensive involvement and giving spirit, Brown 
was awarded the North Carolina Governor's Award for Volunteerism and 
Community Service in 2004. A father of three and grandfather of five, 
Brown leaves behind his wife of 57 years.
  Commissioner Brown's dedication to the town of Burgaw, both as a 
citizen and as an elected official, is an inspiration to us all. His 
record of service is a strong representation of what can be 
accomplished through devotion to a community and its people. May God 
bless his family, and may we always remember the leadership and life of 
Commissioner Gene Brown.

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