[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 76 (Tuesday, May 20, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H4479-H4480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING WILLIAM EARL ``BILL'' MYERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor William 
Earl ``Bill'' Myers who, today, will receive the 2014 Heritage Award 
from the North Carolina Arts Council. Bill Myers has dedicated his life 
to education and the arts.

[[Page H4480]]

  Bill Myers was born 81 years ago in Greenville, North Carolina. From 
a very early age, Bill showed great musical ability. This talent 
prompted Bill's grandmother to enroll him in piano to develop his 
skills.
  Over the years, Bill continued his quest for musical excellence, 
joining the high school band, while also playing piano for church 
Sunday school.
  Recognizing his gift, Bill's Sunday school teacher took him to New 
York City to attend a convention. During the trip, Bill visited Radio 
City Music Hall, saw the Rockettes perform, went to the Apollo Theater, 
and saw Willis ``Gator Tail'' Jackson perform his saxophone. That 
performance proved to be life-changing and served as Bill's inspiration 
to pursue the saxophone.
  Not long after the New York trip, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Bob Lewis was 
hired as the school's new band director. Bill idolized Bob Lewis. 
Everything he did impressed Bill, from his style of dress to his shined 
shoes, and Bob played the saxophone.
  It was the tremendous influence of Bob Lewis and his piano teacher, 
Ms. Albright--both graduates of Virginia State University--that 
prompted Bill to attend that institution.
  Since Bill didn't have the resources to attend college, he began 
performing his musical talents. He joined bands in Greenville that 
played at the Tropicana Club, the Blue Moon Club, and the Red Rose 
Club. Eventually, Bill was able to save enough money to attend Virginia 
State University, where he majored in music and mastered the saxophone.
  In 1955, Bill graduated from Virginia State University and joined the 
United States Army as a second lieutenant.
  After his military service, Bill's father arranged an interview for 
him to teach at Frederick Douglass High School in Elm City, North 
Carolina. The school needed a new music teacher, and Bill was a perfect 
fit.
  As a teacher, Bill was really disheartened by the students' lack of 
cultural exposure, so Bill made sure to expose them to the arts and 
other communities and to opportunities beyond their town.
  Due to his work and commitment, Bill was eventually promoted to 
assistant principal before deciding to pursue a master's in education 
at East Carolina University.
  After completing graduate school, Bill attended the Principal's 
Executive Program at the University of North Carolina, which led to him 
being named principal of the newly-integrated Elm City High School.
  After the county's school systems merged, Bill became principal of 
Elm City Middle School and eventually became assistant superintendent 
of schools for personnel, becoming the first African American in the 
county to hold that position.
  Throughout the course of his long life, Bill still manages to perform 
with his band of 60 years called The Monitors. The band often boasts 
that Roberta Flack was its first vocalist.
  I would be remiss, Mr. Speaker, if I did not mention Bill's wife, the 
former Diana Davis--yes, my first cousin--the love of his life for 51 
years. The two were married in 1963. I remember it so well. I was their 
wedding driver.
  They have two wonderful children, Michael Earl and Michelle Earlisa; 
and they have, together, four grandchildren--William, Madison, Cameron, 
and Mikayla.
  Bill is a devout member of the St. John AME Zion Church in Wilson, 
where he leads its powerful gospel choir.
  Mr. Speaker, today, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering our 
heartfelt congratulations to a great North Carolinian, to a great 
American, Mr. William Earl ``Bill'' Myers.

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