[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF DALLAS ``DALLY'' LEON WILLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2018

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
Dallas ``Dally'' Leon Willis--a husband, father, and friend.
  Dallas Leon Willis was born in Dallas, Texas to Eunice Williams 
Willis and John Albert Willis. Mr. Willis joined the United States 
Marine Corps on October 6, 1941, after graduating from Cleburne High 
School. His duties during his military service included an assignment 
as a tail-gunner on a B-24 Liberator. Additionally, he served as a 
photography specialist, a role in which he helped map the South 
Pacific. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become Master 
Technical Sergeant before concluding his time with the Marine Corps on 
November 13, 1945.
  He then worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, now known as 
AT&T. His leadership skills led him to join the Communication Workers 
of America (CWA) as the organizer ofthe annual Labor Day celebration in 
Odessa, Texas. He later assumed a legislative lobbyist position for 
CWA, during which he was instrumental in the passage of landmark 
telecommunications legislation. For his efforts, Mr. Willis was 
selected for the Texas AFL-CIO Labor Hall of Fame in 2015.
  Mr. Willis was one of the most admired people to ever walk the halls 
of the Texas State Capitol. He was an individual who was always 
helpful. I recall when I joined the Texas Legislature, I could go to 
him for advice. In a resolution, the Texas Senate recognized him as the 
Dean of Texas Lobbyists.

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