[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 27 (Friday, February 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE RAY WILSON

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 14, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
dedicated service of the Honorable Ray Wilson of Northwest Florida. Mr. 
Wilson was Okaloosa County's longest serving sheriff, and he is known 
throughout the area for his intelligence, his unwavering commitment to 
fairness and upholding the law, and his determination to serve and 
improve his community. All of Northwest Florida mourns his passing.
   Mr. Wilson was born in Campton, Florida, and was a lifelong resident 
of Okaloosa County. After graduating from high school and serving in 
the United States Army, Mr. Wilson returned to his native Okaloosa 
County and decided to run for sheriff. Law enforcement was in his 
blood, as his father, Lester Wilson was the Crestview Chief of Police. 
At the age of 28, Ray Wilson was elected, becoming the youngest sheriff 
in Florida history.
   Despite his young age, Mr. Wilson's astuteness and commitment to 
service were immediately evident. He genuinely loved serving his 
community and had an extremely successful 20-year career. Thanks to 
this kind of determination, he helped lead a truly first-class 
sheriff's department that made Okaloosa County a safer place for all 
residents and visitors. In fact, Mr. Wilson's impact on the history of 
Okaloosa County was so strong that he was bestowed a Civic Leader Award 
by the sheriff's department in 2012, more than 35 years after leaving 
his post.
   In addition to his service and leadership in law enforcement, Mr. 
Wilson was a man of great faith and a minister of the Gospel. He was 
also a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-
grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress it is an honor 
for me to recognize the life and service of the Honorable Ray Wilson. 
My wife Vicki and I send our prayers and condolences to his wife, 
Virginia; children, Stuart, Scott, and Sharon; his six grandchildren; 
and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

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