[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 97 (Tuesday, July 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1026-E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CELEBRATING BILL GRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 8, 2013

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, we were all shocked and saddened to 
hear of the sudden and untimely passing of former Congressman William 
``Bill'' Gray, a former member of the Congressional Black Caucus who 
represented Philadelphia in the House of Representatives for many years 
in stellar fashion.
  William Gray was a trailblazer for African Americans and other 
minorities in Congress, an inspirational pastor, a persuasive advocate 
for education of minorities and the poor and for causes where often 
others feared to tread. He was a steadfast friend to countless of us 
and the epitome of a servant-leader.
  My first recollection of meeting him personally was poolside at the 
then St. John Virgin Grande Hotel with his and my long time friends 
Orville and Julie Kean. He had a home in St. John at the time.
  We talked late into the night and he often referred to me as a St. 
Croix Nationalist many times after that. I was also always proud of his 
calling me his Congresswoman, even after he sold the St. John home. And 
it was just days before he was suddenly taken from us that in the 
Members Dining room he remarked that he would be visiting our Islands 
in the near future. Sadly that will not happen.

[[Page E1027]]

  Although we did not serve together, I consider that it was a 
privilege to be able to work with him on many of the issues he 
championed as only he could--from the United Negro College Fund, to his 
work on telecommunications advances or on relations with the foreign 
governments he represented. Whenever he called we responded because he 
was always there to support us when needed. We never even had to ask.
  We will miss exuberant presence and his booming raspy voice, but not 
just the sound. What the CBC, I, our Nation and the world will truly 
miss is the strong unrelenting voice that he was for a better country 
and world and for opportunity, equality and justice for all. We have 
lost a great public servant.
  To his son Justin who was always with him, his wife Andrea and the 
other children, his church family and the people of Philadelphia who 
loved him dearly on behalf of my family, staff and the people of the 
Virgin Islands I extend my condolences. We are a better place that he 
lived. May he rest in peace.

                          ____________________