[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H2749-H2750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GARLAND TUCKER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Holding) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, last year, we mourned the loss of a true 
servant of our community, Garland Scott Tucker, Jr. Garland dedicated 
his life to sharing his love of Christ. In family life, in business, 
and in his community, Garland was grounded and guided by his faith.
  Garland was born in Raleigh in 1919. After graduating from UNC Chapel 
Hill, he joined the family business, Tucker Furniture, in 1941 and 
moved to Wilson the next year to manage the eastern North Carolina 
stores.
  He eventually became president of the company, a position he would 
hold until his retirement in 1985. In 1954, he joined the board of 
directors at BB&T and served as chairman from 1979 to 1987. During that 
time, BB&T would grow from a community bank into a major player 
throughout the Southeast.
  Beyond a very successful business career, Garland was a true family 
man. He married Jean Barnes Wilson in 1946, and over the course of 
their 67-year marriage, they had four children, Garland III, Edwin, 
Sarah, and Macon, who in turn blessed Garland with 15 grandchildren and 
three great-grandchildren.

[[Page H2750]]

  Garland's life was marked by his commitment to sharing his faith with 
others and serving those in need. The primary focus of his civic 
engagement was his support for Gideons International and the Salvation 
Army. Through both organizations, he was able to improve his local 
community and the world at large.
  Garland served Gideons International in a number of different 
capacities, spanning local, national, and international involvement 
with their mission. In his time, he served as one of three members for 
their finance committee and also one of 20 members of the international 
cabinet, which serves as the governing body for the entire 
organization.
  At the peak of his responsibilities, Garland was responsible for the 
distribution of Bibles across 41 countries, including countries in 
Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and the Near East.
  At the local level, Garland was an engaged and active member of the 
Salvation Army, both in Wilson and Raleigh. While a Wilson resident, he 
served as chairman of the Salvation Army's board of directors for 
several years and similarly joined the Salvation Army's board in 
Raleigh when he moved back to Raleigh in 1996.
  His time spent volunteering for the Salvation Army was so meaningful 
that, in 2012, he was honored with one of their highest honors, the 
William Booth Award. Named for the Salvation Army's founder, the award 
is given to those who have made an international impact to the 
betterment of humanity.
  Garland's faith guided him each and every day to follow Christ's 
example and help those around the world who are in need. In word and 
deed, Garland dedicated his 94 years to making a mark here, nationally, 
and internationally, enriching the lives of everyone he met and all 
those across the world who were impacted by his work.

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