[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E3-E4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF WILLIAM EARL ``GATOR'' 
                               FARRINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 5, 2016

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that 
I rise today to recognize the life and service of my friend, Northwest 
Florida's beloved William Earl ``Gator'' Farrington. Throughout his 
long and distinguished life, Gator was a devoted family man, a 
patriotic veteran, committed community leader, successful small 
businessman, and a true friend. The entire Northwest Florida community 
mourns the passing of a truly remarkable man.
   Earl Farrington was born on Tuesday, April 5th, 1927. He and his 
twin sister, Earline, were the youngest of three children born to James 
and Laura Farrington. During his formative years, Earl was spotted at 
the tender age of thirteen dragging from a lake a five-foot alligator 
he had shot. He was dubbed ``Gator'' on the spot and being somewhat of 
a comedian ``Gator'' has worn his nickname with great joviality, good 
cheer, and eternal optimism.
   Gator graduated from Milton High School in 1944 and served in World 
War II and the Korean War in the U.S. Navy. After 30 years he retired 
from civil service at NAS Pensacola in 1984.
   He was one of the founding members of Grace Bible Church of Milton 
and served on the board of directors of Gospel Projects, Inc. Gator is 
preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Voncille (Hobbs) Farrington; 
his two sisters, Louise McLellan and Earline Tompkins; and his parents, 
James Farrington and Laura (Broxson) Farrington.
   Gator loved serving his community with his family through his 
restaurant, Gator's Seafood in Milton, Florida, which he opened in 
1975, with Voncille. The rustic building known as Gator's was 
constructed from juniper logs felled by Gator and his then 75-year-old 
father off their land, floated by the two across the lake, and cut into 
lumber by a small sawmill.
   Gator's quickly became popular for its fresh seafood, family 
friendly environment, and impeccable service. The restaurant has become 
world famous for its fresh and perfectly prepared fried mullet, which 
many in Northwest Florida consider a delicacy. The summer months 
attracted large crowds to the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights, 
not only for the fried mullet and catfish, crab claws, cheese grits, 
cole slaw and

[[Page E4]]

hushpuppies, but for the special brand of humor and entertainment Gator 
brought to each and every family that walked through the door.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
recognize the life and legacy of William Earl ``Gator'' Farrington. My 
wife Vicki and I extend our deepest prayers and condolences to his 
daughter, Lisa Jeffers; his son, William E. ``Bill'' Farrington, II; 
his four grandchildren, Jeffrey Bennett, Brandon Bennett, Zachary 
Farrington, and Abigail Farrington; two great-grandchildren, Allie Jae 
Bennett and Troy Bennett; and the entire Farrington family.

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