[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BELOVED 
                          GEORGE H. WHITEHURST

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and 
dedicated service of Northwest Florida's beloved George H. Whitehurst 
who passed away on October 19, 2014. Throughout his long and 
distinguished career as a mayor and businessman, Mr. Whitehurst served 
as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals. All those who 
have been blessed by his presence and leadership mourn the loss of a 
great man and esteemed public servant.
   Mayor Whitehurst was born in Greenwood, Florida on July 28, 1926 to 
George and Ethel Whitehurst. Upon graduating from Greenwood High 
School, he enrolled in Florida State University where he was a part of 
the Flying High Circus and performed on the flying trapeze. From 1943 
to 1945, Mayor Whitehurst honorably served our Nation in the United 
States Navy as a hospital corpsman, as well as an operating room 
technician. Following his military service, he continued his education 
and graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1950. In 
1955, Mayor Whitehurst settled in Crestview, Florida, where he and his 
wife, Annelle, opened the Whitehurst Funeral Home. In 1961, he entered 
the public service arena where he would use his great business sense to 
lead the Crestview community as mayor for more than two decades.
   As Crestview's longest serving mayor, Mayor Whitehurst tirelessly 
worked to better the city he loved. He successfully advocated for 
increased public safety and economic development, which resulted in the 
establishment of two police substations and the Crestview Public Safety 
Building, development of an emergency transportation corridor, 
restoration of a cemetery, construction of the Okaloosa County Veterans 
Memorial, conversion of the former Yellow River Railroad bed into 
Industrial Drive, and a revitalized downtown, among other efforts.
   Mayor Whitehurst was a man of conviction and was widely respected by 
those who knew him. The community's immense appreciation was well 
evidenced when he received the Mae Reatha Coleman Citizen of the Year 
Award in August 2013 for his outstanding service. Mayor Whitehurst, 
fondly known as ``Mr. Crestview,'' will be remembered for his 
exceptional leadership and contributions to the Gulf Coast community, 
and his legacy will not be forgotten. To his family and friends, he 
will be remembered most as a loving father, grandfather, and great-
grandfather.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor the life of George H. Whitehurst. My wife Vicki 
joins me in extending our sincerest condolences and prayers to his 
wife, Annelle; daughters, Angela and Ann; grandchildren; great-
grandchildren; and the entire Whitehurst family. He will truly be 
missed.

                          ____________________