[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LATE LAURENCE BUTLER ``LARRY'' DILLARD

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2011

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
remember Laurence Butler ``Larry'' Dillard, my longtime Communications 
Director, trusted advisor and childhood friend. Larry passed away 
unexpectedly on April 20, 2011.
  Larry was born on June 8, 1951 in Newport News, Virginia. He attended 
Hampton High School and Hampton Institute (now Hampton University). He 
went on to earn his degree in Mass Communications from Virginia 
Commonwealth University, where he became the proud charter member of 
the Eta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
  I have known Larry since Little League Baseball. We grew up in St. 
Augustine's Episcopal Church in Newport News and he later covered me as 
a reporter for WRIC-Channel 8 in Richmond when I served in the Virginia 
House of Delegates.
  A decade before joining my congressional office in Washington, 
Larry's first stint on Capitol Hill was with another Virginian, 
Republican Congressman Tom Bliley of Richmond. A few years later, Larry 
worked for the Republican National Committee and Senator John Warner's 
reelection campaign.
  Larry must have had a political change of heart or he simply wanted 
to help an old friend because he joined my campaign staff in when I 
first ran for Congress in 1992. After the election, he joined my 
congressional office and became one of my most trusted advisors, 
Communications Director, and Capitol Hill scheduler. For eighteen and a 
half years, the many people who have interacted with my office got to 
know Larry very well. He made every visitor feel as if they were the 
most important person to ever visit my office, especially the 
shipbuilders. As one of several members of his family who worked at the 
Newport News Shipyard, he was always a perfect host for shipyard 
workers when they visited Washington. Additionally, Larry was 
affectionately known as the ``Mayor of Capitol Hill.'' From 
congressional staff to Members of Congress to the many support 
personnel on Capitol Hill, everyone came to know and love Larry because 
Larry truly cared about them. Hundreds of Hill staff and young people 
have been touched by Larry's mentorship and advice. He embodied the 
true meaning of a Virginia gentleman.
  Larry helped me accomplish a lot for my constituents and his fellow 
Virginians. He helped secure funding for Hampton University's Proton 
Cancer Center and fought for justice for America's black farmers. He 
was a historian and was famous for his tours of the Capitol. He was 
also an enthusiastic advocate for the recognition of the 14 African 
Americans who were awarded Medals of Honor at New Market Heights in 
Henrico, Virginia during the Civil War. Larry was also very active with 
the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum in Washington.
  There are no words to describe the profound loss and sorrow that 
pervades all those who had the good fortune to know Larry. He will be 
remembered as a tireless worker, devoted friend, brother, father, 
husband and mentor to many. Larry was a passionate history buff, avid 
Yankees fan, fountain of knowledge, skillful diplomat and the 
consummate spokesperson.
  Larry passed away doing what he loved the most--touring one of his 
favorite historic Civil War sites, Fort Monroe. I was on that tour with 
Senator Mark Warner. We got the official presentation in the front of 
bus, but everybody in the back of the bus got the real scoop from Larry 
Dillard. He will be thought about often and sorely missed.
  My deepest sympathies and prayers are with his wife Sherry, his son 
Brandon, his brother Randy and the entire Dillard family.

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