[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BILL C. HUNTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2017

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take a moment 
to pay tribute to Bill Hunter, the father of one of my long-time staff. 
I did not have the privilege of knowing Bill personally. However, I 
know how deeply he was loved and how greatly he is missed. I offer my 
condolences to his family as they both mourn his loss and celebrate his 
life after his home-going on January 17th of this year.
  Known to many as Hunter, Bill was raised in West Texas and embodied 
many classic American traits--independent, driven, and fiercely loyal. 
His childhood was not easy, and it engendered in him his lifelong drive 
to work hard, fight for the underdog, and aid those in need. Bill lost 
his father when he was only 5, causing him to grow up early to help his 
mother pay the bills, whether as a paperboy, grocery clerk, or telegram 
courier. He recalled how it was cold in West Texas and his family 
couldn't make the gas payment. So, at only 7, he biked a paper route 
around 5 in the morning and then wore his cold, wet shoes the remainder 
of the day at school just to do his part. Bill put himself through 
college at Texas Tech and law school at Southern Methodist University. 
Key accomplishments for a boy from Monahans, Texas.
  Bill lived, loved, and practiced law for over 50 years. Legal 
adversaries and allies agree that Bill was a brilliant attorney and a 
formidable opponent who earned the respect of his peers for his 
innovative legal arguments and his vigorous advocacy for his clients. 
Bill was tough as nails but soft as a kitten. He could aggressively 
fight a bully in court or quietly teach Sunday school or speak in silly 
voices to show his pets how much he cared for them. Bill deeply enjoyed 
providing high-caliber legal assistance to those who couldn't afford 
it. However, he didn't announce his efforts to help others. Rather, his 
family and friends learned of his extensive pro bono work when 
community members would share how much Bill had helped, be it the staff 
of his favorite restaurant or the workers at his retirement village.
  Dallas was Bill's true home. He was President of the Dallas School 
Board, a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, a part-owner of 
the ABA basketball team the Dallas Chaparrals, a frequenter of Dallas' 
wonderful museums, and an avid Cowboys fan. He loved God and his 
family. He was very proud of his children and delighted in watching his 
grandchildren and step-grandchildren grow.
  Bill leaves behind many who loved him: his wife, Pati, her 5 children 
and 5 grandchildren; his three children--Sam, Chris, and Jill, and his 
9 grandchildren; and hundreds of attorneys, judge and friends who know 
that Dallas and the legal community lost an important member.
  Although I did not know Bill personally, I know how much his family 
and community miss him. I imagine that his family can take comfort in 
knowing that Bill can still enjoy many of his favorite past times in 
heaven--engaging in some healthy arguments with St. Peter, listening to 
country music, whistling some tunes to pass the time, working 
challenging crossword puzzles, laughing at clever comic strips, or, 
most importantly, watching his beloved Cowboys.

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