[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              BILLIE DEAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. VAL BUTLER DEMINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 12, 2018

  Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Vice 
Mayor Billie Dean, who will retire this month after serving the city of 
Apopka, Florida, for over twenty years.
  Mr. Dean was born and raised in Clermont, Florida, across the lake 
from his current home. He attended Jones High School and Eustis 
Vocational High School, and earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree 
from Florida A&M University.
  Mr. Dean also served our nation with honor and courage in the United 
States Army. A Korean War veteran, he received a Bronze Star for valor.
  After settling in Apopka--where he has lived for over 35 years--Mr. 
Dean became a teacher and activist. He has served as a member of the 
Florida League of Cities, a Board Member of the Lake Apopka Natural Gas 
Board, a CARET Representative for Land Grant Colleges and Universities 
on behalf of Florida A&M University.
  He has been a role model in his community, both through his example, 
and as a member of the 100 Black Men of Orlando, Inc., a long-term 
mentoring group for black children.
  An active member and trustee of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist 
Church in Orlando, he has put his faith into practice in his community.
  In 1994, Mr. Dean was elected to the Apopka City Commission. In 2014, 
he became Vice Mayor--the honor bestowed upon the city's longest-
serving Commissioner.
  Mr. Dean was an educator. He knew that education is the key to 
success, and worked throughout his life to ready the next generation to 
thrive. He married Isadora Moye Dean, and together they have five 
children and three grandchildren.
  In Mr. Dean, our children see a model for public, civic, and 
community service. While Apopka will miss him as a Commissioner, I am 
certain that his positive influence on our community will be evident 
for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I offer my heartiest congratulations to 
Mr. Dean upon his retirement.

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