[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E49-E50]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF TAMON ARENCE WILLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ``loving'', ``witty'', ``thoughtful'', 
``prankster'', ``mama's boy''.
  These are a few words that came to mind instantly by those who knew 
and loved Tamon Arence Willis.
  Eighteen years old, Tamon had just completed his first semester at 
the University of Houston. He was working two part time jobs to help 
ease the financial burden from his parents. Born in The Woodlands, 
Texas, Tamon graduated from New Caney High School at the top of the 
Class of 2015. He was proud of his Texas roots, and he held on to them. 
He lived in a small town, New Caney, just outside of Houston.
  As a big brother, Tamon loved his four younger siblings. He was their 
protector. He was also a self-described prankster whose pranks were 
usually targeted at his younger brothers and sisters.
  With the love and support of his family, at the start of his college 
career, Tamon had a bright future ahead of him. The world was his 
oyster. It was until this past Saturday morning, just five days before 
his 19th birthday. Tamon had woken up early to go to work when sadly 
and tragically, his life was cut short in a hit and run motorcycle 
crash.
  Like a cold hearted coward, the driver who hit Tamon fled the scene. 
He had no remorse or compassion for what he did. He just left Tamon in 
the middle of the road. Another vehicle then came and hit Tamon again, 
causing the driver to lose control, where he crashed and ended up in 
the ditch. Tamon died at the scene.
  Word spread fast in the small community; tragic events and loss have 
a way of bringing people together. The Willis family soon found 
themselves surrounded by friends and family members, while authorities 
released a surveillance video from the convenience store of the vehicle 
in question. The search for the cowardly driver was on.
  The photo and video of the suspect's vehicle was quickly circulated 
to news media and shared via social media. By Sunday night, Texas DPS 
troopers arrested Eric Brian Ellison, an ex-con from nearby Crosby, 
Texas, and charged him with Accident Involving Death. May justice be 
swift for this heinous crime.
  On Thursday, January 14, Tamon will be laid to rest on what would 
have been his 19th birthday. Tamon's parents have made the decision to 
have his funeral on his birthday as a way to celebrate his life. 
Although they mourn the loss of their son, they wish to celebrate his 
brilliant life and cherish their loving son.
  On behalf of the constituents of the Second Congressional District, I 
extend my deepest sympathies to the Willis family. Our thoughts and 
prayers go out to them during this most difficult time.
  And that's just the way it is.

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