[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF CHARLES RYLAND REVERE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 2015

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the life of 
Charles Ryland Revere, known by most as ``Charlie,'' a native son and 
lifelong resident of Middlesex County in Virginia's First District. It 
was a privilege to be among the hundreds upon hundreds of admiring 
friends who joined Charlie's family in celebrating his life on June 7, 
2015, in what many congregants noted to be perhaps the largest funeral 
gathering in the history of Lower United Methodist Church, a sanctuary 
that has stood across four centuries in Hartfield. As Charlie's 
eulogist noted, his lifelong contributions to his family, his 
community, and his beloved church were ``incalculable.'' Another of 
Charlie's grateful friends observed, ``Charlie's passion for life and 
his Christian compassion for others were beyond measure.'' Charlie's 
dedication to humbly serving, uplifting, and caring for others took 
many forms--Army officer, county supervisor, hospital board chair, 
youth league booster, free health clinic advocate, volunteer 
firefighter, bank board member, farmer, employer, and church leader, to 
name a few. His commitment to the professional men and women of Revere 
Gas touched thousands of families over the more than 50 years of 
operation. Charlie did not allow tragedy or any adversity to deter his 
loving embrace of life and all those who were blessed to know him. As a 
person of extraordinary humor yet humility, Charlie was never concerned 
with accolades or recognition. His life certainly reflected a notion 
often associated with Presidents Reagan and Truman--that there is no 
limit to what can be accomplished and the good that can be done when we 
don't worry about who gets the credit. We in the First District will 
miss him dearly but we will long note and take heart from his selfless 
devotion to his community, his country, his family, and his faith. I 
submit the text of an article from the Southside Sentinel that gives a 
small glimpse of the impact of the lives of Charlie and his remarkable 
wife, Sally Gayle.

              [From the Southside Sentinel, Apr. 18, 2012]

                      ``Friends to the Community''

                           (By Tom Chilemmi)

        Hartfield.--Many stories were told about Charles and Sally 
     Gayle Revere of Hartfield during last Saturday's 14th annual 
     Pride of Middlesex award banquet. Most involved good-natured 
     ribbing. Sprinkled among the humor were heartfelt 
     affirmations of a grateful community.
        Sallie Belle Benedetti, a longtime friend, shared memories 
     of their college years at the University of Richmond, where 
     Charles and Sally Gayle met.
        On a serious note, Benedetti said, ``You've shared your 
     time and talent so unselfishly. You have touched us in so 
     many ways and we are better for knowing you.''
        Benedetti closed with a quote she said describes the 
     Reveres so well. ``The real purpose of our existence is not 
     to make a living, but to make a life . . . a worthy well-
     rounded useful and loving life. If anyone has done that well, 
     I think Sally Gayle and Charlie have.''
        Johnny Fleet of Hartfield, who grew up with Charles, told 
     several stories. However, he also had this to say. ``The word 
     `generous' comes to mind when I think about Charlie and Sally 
     . . . generous, not just in monetary things. In today's 
     world, generosity is better judged by the time spent and time 
     given. And it truly applies to them. I don't know how they 
     keep up. They are absolutely tireless in their efforts and 
     the time they spend with their family and this community for 
     all the things they are involved in.''
        Fleet made a point of noting Sally Gayle's many acts of 
     kindness. ``She has made more visits, sent more cards, sent 
     more birthday acknowledgments, sent more get-well cards and 
     more food than anyone I can imagine.''
        The Reveres are ``friends to the community,'' said Fleet.
        In selecting the Reveres, the Middlesex Rotary Club 
     ``brought the cream to the top,'' said Jimmy Pitts of 
     Urbanna. ``No two better people could have been picked for 
     what they've done for the county of Middlesex and all of us 
     in it. We thank you so much.'' Charles Bristow of Urbanna 
     said, ``I don't know of anyone else that is more deserving.''
        The Pride of Middlesex (POM) award is given annually to 
     recognize and honor individuals or groups that exemplify the 
     Rotary motto of ``Service Above Self.''
        In accepting the award, Charles said, ``It's very humbling 
     to be recognized by your peers. It's an honor and we do 
     appreciate this more than you know.''
        Charles said his family is thankful to live in Middlesex 
     where there is a true sense of community. ``This county has 
     some very kind people. They are very, very generous when 
     there is a need, and they all have the best interests of the 
     county and the community.''
        Sally Gayle thanked all those involved in the event. 
     ``We're very humbled to receive this honor. Thank you so 
     much.''
        Charles also recognized the 37-year career of Reverend 
     Chauncey Mann, Jr., who recently retired as pastor of Grafton 
     Baptist Church. Rev. Mann, a Rotarian, was the emcee of the 
     banquet, which was held in the Hartfield Firehouse pavilion.
        ``Chauncey is someone I admire,'' said Charles. ``He's 
     always been a great friend, he's always been community 
     minded, he always puts the best interest of the county 
     forward, and he's worked tirelessly for the county. He's just 
     been a model citizen for our county. We are going to miss 
     you.''
        The Reveres selected two organizations to receive a 
     charitable donation from the proceeds of the Pride of 
     Middlesex award banquet. Donations will be given to the 
     Grafton Baptist Church's after-school program and the 
     Northern Neck Free Health Clinic, which also serves Middlesex 
     County.


                               Background

        Charles Revere, a native of Middlesex, graduated from 
     Middlesex High School. He attended the University of Richmond 
     where he met and married Sally Gayle Shepherd. Sally Gayle 
     grew up in Lynchburg and is a graduate of E.C. Glass High 
     School. She attended Westhampton College of the University of 
     Richmond, and graduated from Phillips Business College.
        After Charles graduated from the University of Richmond 
     and completed infantry training in the U.S. Army, the couple 
     moved to Fort Ord, California, until Charles completed his 
     two-year military obligation. Charles elected to participate 
     in the National Guard program for four years after which he 
     was discharged as a captain.
        Upon returning to Middlesex, Charles joined Revere Gas, a 
     business his father started as Middlesex Bottled Gas in 1942 
     by delivering bottled gas from Richmond to a few Middlesex 
     customers. Today, Revere Gas serves customers in 17 counties 
     from six locations. Revere Gas is a family business. Sally 
     Gayle is the firm's secretary/treasurer and for many years 
     she handled the payroll. Both of the Reveres' sons, Craig and 
     Carlton, work for the company.
        In 1999-2000, Charles was president of the National 
     Propane Gas Association. During the same period, Sally Gayle 
     was chairman of the Scholarship Foundation of the National 
     Propane Gas Association. Charles has continued the family 
     interest and service to the Hartfield Volunteer Fire 
     Department. His father was one of the five original founders.
        Charles was a member of the Middlesex Board of Supervisors 
     from 1980 to 1988. He is a past president of Middlesex Lions 
     Club, and is currently a director on the boards of EVB Bank, 
     Riverside Health System, Riverside Tappahannock Hospital 
     (chairman), and the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic.
        Sally Gayle's past services include: president/chair of 
     American Cancer Society (Middlesex); chair of the first 
     Middlesex Relay for Life; president of Middlesex Junior 
     Woman's Club; volunteer work with the Middlesex YMCA 
     (Middlesex Capital Campaign); RGH Hospital volunteer; 
     president of the Middle Peninsula Community Concert 
     Association; chair of the first county rescue squad drive; 
     and a volunteer at the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic and 
     with Red Cross Bloodmobiles.
        Charles and Sally Gayle have and continue to serve and 
     support Lower United Methodist Church in many capacities.
        Previous POM recipients have included the following 
     notable county residents and organizations: Louise Gray, 
     Sherman Holmes, Ruth Barr, Middlesex Volunteer Fire 
     Department, Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad, Joe Fears, Jack 
     Fackler, Tom Hardin, Charles Bristow, Dave and Linda Cryer, 
     sisters Rachel Norris Bridger and Ruby Lee Norris, and Aubrey 
     and Margie Hall.

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