[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   MOURNING THE LOSS AND HONORING THE LIFE OF CARROLL PATRICK OLIVER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I have taken to this floor too many 
times to mourn tragic deaths caused by senseless acts of gun violence.
  I rise today to remember Mr. Carroll Patrick Oliver of Houston, 
Texas, a well-loved and respected businessman and community leader of 
my 18th district.
  Mr. Oliver was tragically murdered on Monday, January 11, 2016, when 
he was shot and killed in a robbery as he left his place of business to 
do a morning bank run.
  A former Chicago police officer and lawful gun owner, Mr. Oliver 
attempted to defend himself when approached by the robbers but was 
ruthlessly shot by one of the thieves as they attempted to steal his 
briefcase.
  As a McDonalds franchise owner for nearly 37 years, Mr. Oliver was 
well known throughout Houston as a kind-hearted and giving man, who 
helped open many doors for those in his community.
  He often fed the homeless and neighborhood children simply in need of 
a warm meal.
  He did not hesitate to help those he knew or those he came across in 
need of a helping hand.
  Laudably, Mr. Oliver was most recognized for providing employment 
opportunities to help individuals succeed in his community, including 
hiring teenagers from a local high school and working with several 
programs to hire individuals with criminal records looking for a second 
chance.
  Mr. Oliver also served as a volunteer Chaplain for the Fort Bend 
County Precinct Two Constable's office, where he led the community in 
prayer at school events and nursing homes.
  Giving back to his community in more ways than one, Mr. Oliver had a 
servant's heart and a lifelong calling to help the poor and 
underprivileged.
  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jolene Oliver and their two 
children Cedric Oliver and Stephanie Oliver, as well as a host of 
relatives, friends and his McDonald's family.
  The loss of this great man will run deep throughout Houston.
  We will miss him and his beautiful acts of kindness and generosity.
  I hope Houston can find peace and comfort in the legacy of greatness 
he leaves with us, and that others continue to follow in his footsteps.
  I also hope that we continue to fight gun violence and find ways to 
prevent these awful acts of violence.
  This tragic event sadly demonstrates the clear and present dangers of 
gun violence in our society, despite individuals being a lawful gun 
owner themselves.
  As my colleagues and I continue to push for gun safety legislation, 
we must come together and acknowledge that we are all at risk, and that 
none of us are immune from the dangers of gun violence.
  In solemn remembrance of this beloved and remarkable community 
leader, I ask that a moment of silence be observed in his memory.

                          ____________________