[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF GEORGE TOUART

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
dedicated service of Northwest Florida's George Touart who passed away 
on January 24, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout 
his long career in public service, George Touart mentored and inspired 
many individuals throughout Escambia County, Florida. The loss of a 
passionate and hardworking man is truly felt among the Northwest 
Florida community for which he cared so deeply.
   George graduated Pensacola High School in 1966. At the University of 
Southern Mississippi, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Community and 
Regional Planning and was an active member of the Kappa Alpha 
fraternity. He then received his Master's degree in Public 
Administration from Troy State University. Before returning home to 
Florida, George served as a city councilman in Pascagoula, Mississippi, 
a public information officer for the Mississippi State Highway 
Department, and as county administrator for two Mississippi counties.
   In April 2002, the Escambia County Board of Commissioners appointed 
George as the Escambia County Administrator. He served in this capacity 
until December 2007 and then later served as the Interim County 
Administrator from December 2012 to January 2014. It was during 
George's role as County Administrator of Escambia County that his 
admirable dedication proved instrumental in helping the citizens of 
Northwest Florida recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane 
Ivan in 2004. Under George's unwavering and efficient leadership in 
working with both FEMA and the State of Florida, repairs were made to 
infrastructure, communication was restored, and grants were obtained, 
all contributing to the county's overall recovery. His hard work 
garnered national recognition for Escambia County by FEMA. Not only did 
George exhibit great strength in a time of adversity, but he also 
provided personal comfort and reassurance to many affected citizens of 
the community.
   During his tenure in office, George also worked with the Pensacola 
Chamber of Commerce to bring several economic initiatives to Escambia 
County, such as Navy Federal Credit Union Expansion, Project Evergreen, 
and Project Pearl. He can also be credited for completing the Escambia 
County Jail transition under budget as well as negotiating the 
Interlocal Agreement between Escambia County and the City of Pensacola.
   Resonating from within, George had a true sense of community and 
civic duty. Aside from his leadership with the county, he was involved 
in a myriad of civic organizations throughout his life, including: 
Conquistadores, the Masonic Lodge and the Hadji Shrine, Five Flags 
Rotary, Irish Politician's Club, Moss Point Young Men's Business Club, 
Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Escambia County, and 
Baptist Hospital Board of Directors. Additionally, George was a member 
of Perdido Bay United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed 
golfing, fishing, and hunting. Those whose lives were touched by George 
mourn the loss of a devoted man with an unwavering commitment to 
service.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor the life of George Touart. My wife Vicki joins me 
in extending our sincerest condolences and prayers to his wife, 
Barbara; sons, Matthew and Jacob; daughters, Christy and Amber; seven 
grandchildren, Meagan, Zackary, Brennan, Ivey, Jack, Mylah, and Carter; 
and parents, Clyde and Mary. He will truly be missed.

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