[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 20 (Monday, February 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MEREDITH EARL ROBERTS FOR A LIFE OF SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 3, 2014

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a wonderful man 
and close friend, Meredith Earl Roberts, Jr., of Longview, TX, who 
passed away on January 2, 2014, at the age of 77 following a brief 
battle with cancer. Earl was one of the most influential leaders in 
Longview for many years and leaves an extraordinary legacy of service.
   Born and raised in Longview, Earl earned a Bachelor of Arts from 
Baylor University and a law degree from The University of Texas. He was 
an esteemed attorney in Longview for more than 50 years, serving as 
President of the Gregg County Bar Association. He also served as an 
advisor to the City Council and was an attorney for the Sabine River 
Authority of Texas for 35 years, during which time he helped to acquire 
land for the Lake Fork Reservoir.
   Earl's parents impressed upon him the value of community service, 
and he devoted a lifetime to many worthy causes. From 2000 to 2003, 
Earl served as Mayor of Longview. As Mayor, Earl established public 
transportation in Longview, developed water resources, and reduced the 
City's debt, among other accomplishments. Earl also served on the Board 
of Directors of many not-for-profit organizations, including the 
Longview YMCA, the Longview Chamber of Commerce, the Longview Economic 
Development Foundation, LeTourneau University, and the Highway 80 
Rescue Mission. Additionally, he served as Chairman of Deacons at First 
Baptist Church of Longview where he taught Sunday School for many 
years.
   Earl was an avid runner who could be found on the streets in the 
early morning with his fellow group of runners affectionately known as 
``The Pack of Fools.'' In addition to numerous local races, he 
participated in more than 40 marathons, including five times in the 
Boston Marathon.
   Earl was an outstanding American, a leader in his hometown, and 
beloved by all who knew him. I am proud to have known him as a personal 
friend. He was always loyal to his family and will be remembered fondly 
by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Hull ``Betty'' Roberts; his two 
children Murray and David, along with David's wife Amanda; his siblings 
Claire and James; his five grandchildren; and other family members and 
friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
great American, Earl Roberts, Jr. Longview has lost one of its 
favorites sons.

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