[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 69 (Thursday, May 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO FELIX GAITER

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2014

  Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to pay tribute to 
a longtime friend and one of the finest men I have ever known.
  Felix Gaiter recently passed away at the age of 91. He was a well-
known businessman in my District and owner of the Gaiter Construction 
Company, which was the largest African American-owned construction 
company in East Tennessee.
  I had the privilege to be the lawyer for the Gaiter Construction 
Company for just about the entire time I practiced law. Mr. Gaiter was 
one of the kindest, hardest working, and most honest people with whom I 
have ever dealt.
  Mr. Gaiter was also a veteran of World War II, and he easily earned 
his place among the ``Greatest Generation'' with his service and 
honorable life.
  A member of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville, he always 
lived his life by the Golden Rule.
  Mr. Gaiter is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, 
Mrs. Margaret Gaiter, who has always been very kind to me. Mrs. Gaiter 
treats everyone with love and respect. She is a very bright fixture in 
the Knoxville community and active in countless organizations.
  My wife, Lynn, and I send our condolences to Mrs. Gaiter, her three 
children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Felix Gaiter was a wonderful husband, father, and 
citizen. I call his life and accomplishments to the attention of my 
Colleagues and other readers of the Record. This Nation would be a much 
better place if we had more people like him.

                          ____________________