[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 135 (Friday, October 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED REVEREND 
                            WILLIE H. CARTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is my privilege to honor the life and service of Northwest 
Florida's beloved Reverend Willie H. Carter. All of Northwest Florida, 
and in particular the people of Century, Florida, mourn the loss of 
this extraordinary man.
  Reverend Carter spent the majority of his adult life in service to 
his fellow man. He was a strong advocate of human dignity and a 
tireless proponent of the importance of living up to one's God-given 
potential. Whether it was early on, as a counselor in the schools of 
Century, Florida, or later as Pastor of Pilgrim Lodge Baptist Church, 
Reverend Carter's love of our Lord was matched only by his devotion to 
the betterment of the youth in his community.
  Friends and neighbors warmly recall this humble man with a ready 
smile and firm handshake who made a deep impact on all who had the good 
fortune to know him. ``Your life is in your hands,'' he was fond of 
telling young people. ``You can make it anything you want it to be.'' 
But Reverend Carter also called upon them to improve themselves by 
turning off the television and picking up a book. He was famous for 
challenging young people to ``watch TV for an hour, close your eyes and 
see what you got out of that. Then read a book, close your eyes and see 
what you learned.''
  Aside from his work in education and in the church, he was an 
advocate for schools in the community, was named one of the Grand 
Marshals of the Northview High School Homecoming Parade in 2010, took 
part in the 2010 Northview Baccalaureate service, and was previously 
named a NorthEscambia.com Person of the Year. Additionally, in 2011, I 
was pleased to welcome Reverend Carter, a World War II veteran, to 
Washington D.C., when he took part in the ninth and final Emerald Coast 
Honor Flight.
  To some, Reverend Carter will be remembered as a spiritual leader; to 
others, he will be remembered for his tireless work on behalf of the 
youth of the Northwest Florida Community; and to his family and friends 
he will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and 
grandfather. He touched the lives of many with his self-giving devotion 
and tireless commitment to service.
  On behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize 
the life, honorable service and accomplishments of Reverend Willie H. 
Carter. He will be missed by many, but his memory will live on through 
the timeless legacy he leaves behind. My wife Vicki joins me in 
extending our thoughts and prayers to Kraig, Audra, Paris, Lauren, 
Aerial, and the entire Carter family.

                          ____________________