[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 136 (Wednesday, September 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. R. CATER LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2011

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life of a truly 
great American, Mr. R. Cater Lee, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, who passed 
away on August 13, 2011, at the age of 90.
  Mr. Lee was a veteran of World War II and a member of America's 
``Greatest Generation'' who helped to liberate Europe from Nazi 
tyranny. He flew 31 missions with the 448th Bomb Group, Second Air 
Division, of the Eighth Air Force in the European Theatre. He proudly 
served as a bombardier and navigator aboard the B-24 Liberator. For his 
courage and service he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 
the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. Mr. Lee so loved his country 
that he continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserves during the 
Korean War, attaining the rank of Major.
  After his service to his country, Mr. Lee came home to Alabama, 
eventually settling in Birmingham, where in 1966 he was one of the co-
founders of Vulcan, Inc. He would serve as president of the company for 
twenty years. At the time of his death, he was chairman of the board of 
Vulcan Inc., in Foley. Not only a patriot and successful businessman, 
Mr. Lee was also a leader in his community.
  He was a past chairman of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and 
of the Gulf Shores Water Board. He was a former member of the Gulf 
Shores City Council and recipient of the Free Enterprise Person of the 
Year Award. Mr. Lee's love of country was only rivaled by his love of 
family, community, and golf. He served as president of Gulf Shores Golf 
Club for many years.
  Mr. Lee cherished all four generations of his family. The loss of Mr. 
Lee is one that should be mourned throughout the state and nation, as 
he was the embodiment of American ideals of patriotism, hard work and 
giving back to one's community.
  On behalf of the people of South Alabama, I offer condolences to his 
daughter, Linda Lee Koniar and her husband, John, and his two sons, 
Bubba and his wife, Cheryl, and Tommy and his wife, Sandra. Mr. Lee had 
eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved 
with all his heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.

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