[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF MILTON CITY COUNCILMAN RALPH 
                           ``CLAYTON'' WHITE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life and dedicated service of Northwest Florida's beloved Milton City 
Councilman Clayton White. Councilman White was a veteran, successful 
business owner, and committed public servant. The entire Northwest 
Florida community mourns the loss of a great man.
   Councilman White was a native of Spencer County, Indiana, who first 
came to Milton, Florida, in 1951 during his service in the United 
States Navy. Like so many who come to Northwest Florida through 
military service, Councilman White was immediately struck by the Gulf 
Coast's natural beauty and the friendly nature of its residents and 
decided to remain in the area after completing his service. Councilman 
White and his wife Betty settled in Milton, where they opened a local 
appliance store, Tops TV and Appliance in 1957, which remains in 
business today and is run by their son, Barry. Tops quickly became 
known in the area for its quality selection, customer friendly service, 
and the store's wall of televisions, which Councilman White left on at 
night for the public to watch.
   Councilman White also became involved in Northwest Florida's civic 
society and politics. He served on the Santa Rosa Elections Commission, 
as well as the Navarre Beach Board, before being appointed to a seat on 
the Milton City Council in 1979, which he held until 1994. In 2000, 
Councilman White decided to rejoin the council and was elected by the 
people of Milton to the council, where he continued to serve the 
community until his recent passing. Councilman White was known as an 
outstanding councilman with an assiduous work ethic and natural 
leadership abilities. Councilman White was also a long-time member of 
the local Kiwanis club, and he served on the Santa Rosa Tourist 
Development Council.
   In addition to his business success and political service, 
Councilman White was also a loving and devoted husband, father, 
grandfather, and great-grandfather and a member of First United 
Methodist Church of Milton. Councilman White was preceded in death by 
his wife of 62 years, Betty, who passed away last December. To some 
Councilman White will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and 
to others as a successful businessman. To his family and friends, he 
will always be remembered as family man guided by his faith.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor 
for me to recognize the life and dedicated service of Councilman 
Clayton White. My wife Vicki and I extend our prayers and sincere 
condolences his sons, Scott, Barry, and Brian; grandchildren, Randall, 
Emily, Clay, Bailey, Brennan, Brady and Raina; great-grandson Dylan; 
and the entire White Family.

                          ____________________