[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 141 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF R.E. ``EARL'' SLAUGHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2008

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory 
and accomplishments of a man who dedicated his life to the health and 
well being of others, R.E. ``Earl'' Slaughter of Rockwall.
  Earl was born December 6, 1925, in Edgewood to John Arthur, Sr., and 
Flora Anne (Cox) Slaughter. He was a 1943 graduate of Edgewood High 
School and a 1949 graduate of the University of Texas School of 
Pharmacy. He served his country honorably in the United States Army Air 
Corps during World War II.
  Earl married Yvonne McMurray on September 14, 1947, in Denton. Their 
marriage produced five wonderful children, Cathy Slaughter who lives in 
Rockwall, Betsy Blundell of Rowlett, Richard Slaughter of Rockwall, 
Scott Slaughter of Austin, and Dean Slaughter who lives in The Colony.
  For 5 decades Earl operated what was the only pharmacy in Rockwall--
Rockwall Drug. He and his brother E.K. acquired the business about 3 
years after it opened on the square in downtown Rockwall. Then, 
Rockwall was a small rural community and Earl was a lifeline for so 
many people. In the beginning he opened the pharmacy at 7 a.m. and 
stayed open until 10 p.m. Many nights he would return after hours to 
fill emergency prescriptions.
  Rockwall Pharmacy and Earl Slaughter were at the center of most 
things that happened in Rockwall. With a storefront so close to the 
Rockwall County courthouse, its employees and elected officials would 
gather at the fountain before work, at lunch, and after work to discuss 
the day's events.
  Earl was also deeply involved with his community and civic affairs. 
He was a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association for more than 50 
years. He was the past president of the Rockwall Independent School 
District and the Chamber of Commerce. He was on the City Planning/
Zoning Board, and received the Soroptimist Man of the Year Award in 
2003. He was also active in the American Legion and Lions Club. Earl 
believed in sharing his faith and was a member of the First United 
Methodist Church in Rockwall.
  Madam Speaker, one of Earl's former employees summed it up best when 
she said that Earl helped people every way he could.
  I count it an honor to have been friends with this great public 
servant and his wonderful family. What our world needs today are a few 
more Earl Slaughters. Please join me today as we honor his memory and 
celebrate his life's accomplishments.




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