[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H323-H324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM ``BILL'' GRAVES WOFFORD, JR.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 3, 2019, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Flores) for 30 minutes.
  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' 
Graves Wofford, Jr., of Rockwall, Texas, who passed away on October 29, 
2019, at the age of 95.
  Bill was born on May 1, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas to William Graves 
Wofford, Sr., and Margaret Melinda Wofford.
  As a very young man, Bill left his family to fight in World War II 
and to defend our country. He proudly served in both the U.S. Army and 
the U.S. Navy. At the close of the war, at the age of 21, Bill returned 
to the States to pursue an education from the Georgia Institute of 
Technology.
  Following graduation, Bill returned home to Texas where he embarked 
on his 27-year career alongside business partner, Bob Timberlake, to 
form Timberlake & Wofford, a manufacturing representative firm that 
served the north Texas area and experienced great success.
  Bill is remembered for his great sense of humor and his gentle 
personality. His love of sailing and the outdoors led him to help found 
the Rush Creek Yacht Club.
  Bill was not only a leader in his community, but a friend to all: a 
loving husband, father, and grandfather.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Wofford family. We also lift up the family and friends of Bill 
Wofford in our prayers.
  I have requested that the United States flag be flown over our 
Nation's Capitol to honor his life, legacy, and his service to our 
country.
  As I close today, I ask all Americans to continue praying for our 
country during these difficult times, for the brave men and women who 
serve in our military who protect us, and for our first responders who 
protect us here at home.


         Honoring the Life of Deputy Sheriff Matthew Ryan Jones

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matthew Ryan Jones of 
Waco, Texas.
  Deputy Sheriff Jones was killed on October 11, 2019 in the line of 
duty as he assisted a motorist on the side of an area highway.
  Matt was born on February 7, 1989, in Waco, Texas, to Ronnie and 
Debbie Coleman Jones. He graduated from Connally High School and the 
Texas State Technical College in Waco before joining the Falls County 
Sheriff's Office in August of 2015.
  Matt bravely served his community for 4 years, most recently being 
named the department's canine deputy. Fellow first responders have sung 
the praises of their fallen brother stating that: Matt ``never backed 
down from a challenge and understood the nature of policing in a small 
community.''
  Matt was not only a proud public servant, he was a friend to all, a 
loving husband, and an avid outdoorsman. Matt enjoyed spending time in 
nature, hunting, fishing, and riding his ATV.
  Mr. Speaker, Matt's life was defined by his service to his community. 
He will be forever remembered by his community as a husband, a son, a 
brother, and a selfless public servant.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Jones family. We also lift up the family and friends of Matthew in 
our prayers.
  I have requested the United States flag be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol to honor his life, legacy, and his service to our central Texas 
community.
  As I close today, I urge all Americans to continue to pray for our 
country, for our military men and women who protect us overseas, and 
for our first responders who keep us safe here at home.

[[Page H324]]

  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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