[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1696-E1697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF JUDGE GILLIS E. POWELL, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of 
northwest Florida's beloved Judge Gillis E. Powell, Sr.
  Over the course of his life, Judge Powell was a fixture in the 
northwest Florida community. His family was one of the first families 
to settle in Crestview, and his mother was a founding member of the 
First Presbyterian Church of Crestview. Judge Powell's assiduous work 
ethic was apparent when he began working as a delivery boy at 
Sullivan's Grocery Store at the young age of 12. In 1938, Judge Powell 
graduated from Crestview High School and went on to study business 
administration at the University of Florida (UF).
  Judge Powell was also a true patriot, and when his country called him 
to duty during World War II, he responded with honor and distinction. 
In 1942, as a Second Lieutenant, he was one of only five officers from 
his squadron chosen to attend intelligence training at Yale University. 
While training at Yale, he married his childhood sweetheart, Avis 
Elizabeth Moore. After finishing his intelligence training, Judge 
Powell served as an intelligence officer in north Africa, rising to the 
rank of Major and becoming a squadron commander. During his military 
career, he was recognized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his 
role in preparing for the Big Three Conference between President 
Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin in Tehran, Iran.
  After fulfilling his service commitment, Judge Powell returned to 
Florida with his wife, Avis, where he finished his bachelor's degree at 
UF, before earning his law degree from UF's College of Law. Judge 
Powell had a true aptitude for business and passion for law. He started 
his first business near UF--The Tackle Box--which started as a small 
bait shop and has grown over the course of 60 years into a large 
sporting goods store.
  In 1951, he returned to his native Crestview to establish his own law 
firm. During his accomplished legal career, he served in his private 
practice and as an Assistant State Attorney, before being appointed in 
1971 to serve as Circuit Judge in the First Judicial Circuit of 
Florida. He served as a Circuit Judge until he retired from the bench 
in 1977, when he returned to private practice with his oldest son, 
Gill. Over the years, the law firm of Powell, Powell & Powell grew to 
include his daughter, Ava, and younger son, Dixie; as well as his 
granddaughter, Lacey and her husband, James; his granddaughter, Ginny; 
and his grandson, Gillis E. Powell III. In 1991, while serving as the 
City Attorney for City of Niceville, Judge Powell argued and won a case 
before the United States Supreme Court and was featured on NBC's 
``Today Show.'' Judge Powell remained active in his law practice until 
his recent retirement at the age of 87.

[[Page E1697]]

  To some, Judge Gillis E. Powell, Sr. will be remembered as a 
courageous member of our armed services who answered the call of duty 
during one of our Nation's most trying hours; to others, he will be 
remembered for his acumen in law and business. Judge Powell was a 
distinguished attorney, judge, businessman, and Air Force officer; 
however, above all Judge Powell was a true family man. He was 
especially proud of being able to work with his children and 
grandchildren in his law practice, and he loved nothing more than 
spending time with his family cheering his Gators to victory. Northwest 
Florida mourns the loss of a true leader, and his service to the 
community and this Nation will not be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me 
great pride to honor the life of Judge Gillis E. Powell, Sr. and his 
living legacy. My wife Vicki and I extend our most sincere condolences 
to the entire Powell family.

                          ____________________