[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 186 (Tuesday, December 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING LEWIS WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2011

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
highlight the distinguished life and career of the Honorable Lew 
Williams, who passed away sadly on December 3rd, 2011. Mr. Williams was 
a member of the Pinellas County School Board and a local educator. His 
impact on our community will be felt for years to come. He leaves 
behind two children and his wife, Arthurene.
  Mr. Williams was elected to the Pinellas County School Board in 2010. 
However, over his lifetime, his impact was profound. Quiet and 
reserved, he chose his words carefully in a way that would be sure to 
have the most impact. His colleagues on the School Board have noted 
that he often had the ability to drive debates to a solution, while 
being one of the quietest individuals in the room. In his time on the 
Board, he was able to move the district in a different direction and 
was instrumental in leading the fight for changes in the district's 
superintendent position.
  Lew Williams was born in Blakely, Georgia, but moved to Florida at a 
young age. Growing up in public housing, he saw education as a means to 
future success. Two educators saw his potential for achievement and 
helped pay his way for college. He graduated from Allen University with 
a bachelor's degree and South Carolina State College with a master's 
degree.
  Mr. Williams was instilled with the same optimistic belief in those 
around him. He started out as a social studies teacher, but eventually 
went on to become a principal at five different Pinellas County 
schools. In 2010, Mr. Williams was elected to the School Board seat for 
District 7. Local educational leaders, such as the current head of the 
local teachers union, credit him for seeing leadership in them when he 
chose to hire them. His hard work, sacrifice and determination have 
truly impacted our community and continue to do so.
  The Tampa Bay community mourns his loss and is so thankful for his 
many years of service to students and our community. I ask that you and 
all Americans remember such a remarkable educator for his ability to 
inspire success in others.

                          ____________________