[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 118 (Thursday, July 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THOMAS WATSON MOSS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2008

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, tomorrow would be the 83rd 
birthday of Thomas Watson Moss, Jr. However, Mr. Moss passed little 
more than 1 month short of starting his 83rd year. I rise today to 
offer my condolences and prayers to his family and share the story of a 
remarkable man. It is an honor to have this opportunity. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing a member of the ``Greatest 
Generation'' and a unique and notable individual.
  Thomas Moss was born in Forsyth County, Georgia, on July 18, 1925, 
and grew up in the midst of the Great Depression. Like many of his 
generation, he answered the call of his country and proudly served in 
World War II after graduating from Gainesville High School and 
attending North Georgia College. During his service as a medic in the 
U.S. Navy, during which he was attached to the Marine Corps, he 
participated in some of the seminal battles in the Pacific theater, 
including the invasion of Okinawa. He received two Purple Hearts and a 
Presidential Military Citation for his exemplary service.
  After returning from the Pacific, Mr. Moss joined the family 
business, Moss Equipment Company, in Buford, Georgia. In addition to 
his success in business, Mr. Moss was active throughout in his 
community and state. The dedication to his country and his value of 
serving others was clear through his time with the Gwinnett County 
Chamber of Commerce, Buford Kiwanis Club and the Georgia Farm Equipment 
Dealers Association. He was one of the founding members of the Gwinnett 
County Fair Association, served in the Georgia legislature and on the 
Buford school board.
  The tremendous impact he had on his community is incredible and 
indicative of his generation; where service, duty and honor were the 
guiding principles. Despite the demands on his time in business and 
civic activities, Mr. Moss was the pillar of his family and is survived 
by his wife of 58 years, Martha Smith Moss, two children, Mark and 
Lisa, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Tom and Martha's 
daughter Linda preceded Tom in death many years ago.
  Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues and the American people will 
pause with me in recognition of a life well lived and learn from the 
example Mr. Moss set for his family, his community and his country.

                          ____________________