[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 103 (Friday, July 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN WISE ``JAY'' ADKISSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 10, 2009

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of 
a dedicated serviceman, excellent businessman, and community activist, 
Mr. John Wise ``Jay'' Adkisson of Greenville, Texas.
  Born on October 5, 1920, to John Wise Adkisson Sr. and Lenna 
McCandless Adkisson in Greenville, Texas, Jay graduated from Greenville 
High School in 1938 and from Texas A&M University in 1942, with a 
Bachelor of Science Degree in landscaping architecture. He was also a 
member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band. Shortly thereafter, he 
attended the U.S. Naval Midshipmen's School at Columbia University in 
New York, NY and upon graduation, was commissioned an ensign in the 
U.S. Navy. For the remainder of WWII, he served in the South Pacific as 
commanding officer of a Landing Ship Medium (LSM) and was honorably 
discharged having obtained the rank of full lieutenant.
  In 1946, Jay returned to Greenville to join in the operations of the 
family business, Wise Adkisson & Sons Florist, Greenhouse, and Nursery. 
In 1996, Jay was elected as President of the Texas State Florists 
Association (TSFA) and in 1978 he received the TSFA Lifetime 
Achievement Award in recognition of his numerous contributions to the 
floral industry.
  In addition to his work in the floral business, Jay was a dedicated 
public servant. He was elected for two terms as Greenville City 
Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem in the 1960s, served as Chairman of the 
Administrative Board for Kavanaugh United Methodist Church, member of 
the Greenville Lions Club, and Director of the Greenville Lake Club. He 
was also involved in the adult leadership of Boy Scouts of America and 
the Hunt County Aggie Club.
  Jay is survived by his wife of 61 years, and business partner Nita 
Lee ``Tubby'', son Richard Wise Adkisson and wife Jan, son John Jay 
Adkisson and three grandchildren, Benjamin, Rebecca and Rob Adkisson, 
sister Mary Ward, brother Dr. Mike Adkisson and wife Beverly, great-
granddaughter Bailey, and numerous nieces and nephews.
  Madam Speaker, I am privileged to have known such a wonderful citizen 
of Greenville, Texas, who leaves a legacy of service that will be long 
remembered.

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