[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 12, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING GEORGE DAUGHERTY

 Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, my home State has truly lost a 
shining star. We have lost a devoted West Virginian, a noble Army 
Veteran, a gifted performer, and a dear friend to all. George 
Daugherty's enthusiasm for life was infectious to anybody who had the 
privilege of knowing him, and it is an honor to recognize his life and 
legacy.
  You could often find George on Morgantown's High Street next to the 
bronze statue of Don Knotts singing a rousing chorus of ``Hail West 
Virginia.'' He would usually tack on a phrase at the end about beating 
Pitt that was met with rousing applause from those who stopped on the 
street to cheer him on. He was quite a character and best known as a 
musician, but he made a life for himself by practicing law.
  Despite his musical comedy role in the Charleston jamboree, George's 
professionalism working on medical malpractice cases never faltered. He 
said he never had a bad relationship with a doctor he sued, and he 
generally ended up becoming friends with them. That was just who he 
was.
  Another key component that made George the person he was, affecting 
his music and life, was his unwavering patriotism. His father was a 
World War I veteran and instilled in him the pride and, of course, the 
patriotic songs that George would perform on stage, dressed in American 
flag-themed attire. He instilled these values in his children and 
grandchildren, encouraging them to be grateful for our freedom and to 
always remember where they have come from, and our statewide community 
is better for it.
  It was an honor to call George my friend, a man who proudly showcased 
our State through performances across the Nation as ``the Earl of 
Elkview'' or ``the Duke of Dunbar.'' He and my Uncle A. James were dear 
friends for many years, and I know he would have been so very proud to 
see all that George did to promote the State we love. Whether 
performing on the Capitol City Jamboree and the Mountain Stage, 
contributing over 50 years of excellence and professionalism practicing 
law, or giving back to his community, George represented the best of 
West Virginia, which is saying quite a lot. He was a proud 
representative of our beautiful State no matter where life took him.
  What is most important is that he lived a full life, surrounded by 
dear friends and family. It is my hope that his loved ones are able to 
find peace, strength, and support in one another. I extend my 
condolences to Mary Jarvis Currence and their children, Dick, Nancy, 
Sallie, and Thomas, their grandchildren, Kiera, Devlin, Aidan, Jamie, 
and Beth, as well as to George's many dear friends and extended family. 
I know he is looking down on all of you with a smile. I am honored to 
join each of you in honoring George's memory, as well as the unwavering 
love he had for his family, our great Nation, and our home 
State.

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