[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 207 (Tuesday, December 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING HAROLD WEBB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. PRICE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 2017

  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and legacy of Harold Webb--Tuskegee Airman, North Carolina 
Director of Personnel, Wake County Commissioner--one of North 
Carolina's most distinguished leaders. Harold died this past Friday at 
the age of 92 after a lifetime of devoted public service. My wife Lisa 
and I extend our condolences to his wife Lucille, their family, and all 
Harold's extensive network of colleagues and friends as we express 
gratitude for his extraordinary life.
  Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Harold attended public 
schools in Guilford County. Upon graduation, he served as a pilot with 
WWII's legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American unit to 
fly and maintain American combat aircraft. His unit received a 
Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 for its military achievements and was 
instrumental in paving the way for full integration of the Armed 
Forces. As the Raleigh News & Observer editorialized yesterday, ``Webb 
was proud to be a member of the Greatest Generation, and it may fairly 
be said that he was among those who made it the greatest.''
  After the war, Harold received a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a 
Masters Degree in Education from N.C. Agricultural and Technical State 
University. He then became a teacher and principal in Orange County 
Schools and served in a variety of state-level education positions, 
including administrator of Chapter I of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act in North Carolina schools.
  In 1977, Harold was appointed by Governor James B. Hunt to be 
Director of State Personnel, the first African-American to serve in 
this position. He then served on the Wake County Board of Commissioners 
from 2003 to 2010, and was Chairman from 2008 to 2009.
  Harold Webb's board service included The University of North Carolina 
Board of Governors, Shaw University Board of Trustees, Wake Technical 
Community College Board of Trustees, Wake County Planning Board, and 
the National Association of State Personnel Executives. He received an 
honorary doctorate from NC A&T University and, with Lucille, was 
inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame in 2011. Harold was a faithful 
member of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, where he held numerous 
leadership positions.
  Harold Webb made life in Raleigh and North Carolina better for all of 
our citizens. I and many others valued him as a friend, collaborator, 
and colleague: a man you wanted on your team. He was a leader who got 
things done but was quick to share the credit, a kind and generous man 
skilled at bringing people together, and a great source of 
encouragement and inspiration. We join with Harold's family, his many 
friends and admirers, and members of the communities he served, in 
mourning his passing and honoring his exemplary life of leadership and 
public service.

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