[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 136 (Thursday, August 16, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING PAUL JOSEPH GILMER, JR.

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I wish to acknowledge the loss of a 
public servant, veteran, and good man, Paul Joseph Gilmer, Jr., and 
recognize his years of service to the people of West Virginia.
  Paul's life serves as an example to those who strive to be the change 
they want to see in their communities. He was an active member and 
leader of several community organizations and a mentor to innumerable 
Charleston youth. Furthermore, he was a family man whose memory and 
legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and all 
those who knew and loved him.
  A lifelong resident of Charleston, Paul went to Dunbar High School 
before serving in the U.S. Army. He returned to the Kanawha Valley to 
continue his education, graduating from West Virginia State University 
with a bachelor's degree, and went on to work for IBM for 25 years.
  Following his career with IBM, Paul entered public service and worked 
for the city of Charleston in the city manager and mayor's offices 
before being elected as a city councilman. He was the executive 
director of the Community Council of Kanawha Valley, Inc., and senior 
vice president of the United Way of Kanawha Valley. An entrepreneur, 
Paul was also the owner of Business, Tax and Accounting Services, as 
well as PJ Gilmer, Inc.
  Beyond his career, Paul devoted his time to various community 
organizations, serving in leadership capacities at the Kanawha Valley 
Collective, the National Association of Planning and Research Councils, 
the West Virginia Center for Civic Life, and the Schoenbaum Family 
Enrichment Center, among many others. He also served as a volunteer 
manager of several youth sports programs, impacting the lives of the 
next generation by his example and his message of working tirelessly to 
effect positive change.
  Above all, however, Paul was a family man. He leaves behind his wife 
of 45 years, Linda, as well as his children Batese, Melissa, Ryan, 
Charles, Shawn, and Anthony, and their children. He is also survived by 
his mother and four siblings.
  Paul told the young men and women he mentored ``not to achieve, but 
overachieve,'' in order to do something positive with their lives. 
Paul's life was a testament to his message, as he overachieved in 
making Charleston, WV, a stronger community. It was an honor to call 
him a friend and fellow West Virginian.

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