[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E77-E78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. RONALD WAYNE MERTHIE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. STEPHANIE N. MURPHY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2019

  Mrs. MURPHY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a 
spiritual leader in my central Florida community, Dr. Ronald Merthie, 
who recently passed away.
  A proud son of Seminole County, Dr. Merthie attended Crooms High 
School, where he was elected class president. He went to Texas Southern 
University on an athletic scholarship and, upon graduation, returned 
home to become a teacher, assistant principal, and coach.

[[Page E78]]

  Dr. Merthie struggled with substance abuse for a period of time. But 
he found strength and redemption through faith, overcoming personal 
hardship, serving as a role model to others, and becoming a pillar of 
his community.
  Dr. Merthie's life was filled with action and achievement. He 
established the New Life Word Center Church, offered spiritual guidance 
on a weekly broadcast, and empowered the next generation by founding a 
K-through-12 school.
  It was Dr. King who said that ``Life's most persistent and urgent 
question is, `What are you doing for others?' ''
  Dr. Merthie devoted his life to serving others. He lead a good life 
in the most meaningful sense of the term. He will be deeply missed.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional man and 
offering our condolences to his family and all those whose lives he 
touched.

                          ____________________