[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF DR. WALTER ``WALLY'' WILKERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2020

  Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. 
Walter ``Wally'' Wilkerson's service to the community as a physician, 
community leader, and as Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican 
Party for fifty-six years.
  Born and raised in Bryan, Texas, Dr. Wilkerson stayed close to home 
and earned a Bachelor's Degree in biology from Texas A&M University in 
1951. After graduation, Dr. Wilkerson pursued a Medical Degree from the 
prestigious University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1955. 
Just one year after finishing medical school, Dr. Wilkerson joined the 
United States Navy and spent two years as a General Medical Officer. 
While stationed at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, California, 
Dr. Wilkerson served aboard the USS Hooper Island. In the summer of 
1958, Dr. Wilkerson participated in the historic atomic weapon test 
operation known as Operation Hardtack at Eniwetok Atoll in the 
southwest Pacific Ocean.
  When it was time to return to civilian life, he found his way back to 
home to Texas and joined his family in Conroe. After encouragement from 
his father, he introduced himself to a local family medical 
practitioner, Dr. Deane Sadler. After shadowing Dr. Sadler for a day, a 
simple handshake sealed the deal and Dr. Wilkerson joined his clinic. 
Over the years, Dr. Sadler, became not only a business partner, but a 
mentor and a friend.
  Eager to get involved in the community, Dr. Wilkerson entered the 
Conroe political scene while working at Sadler Clinic. In 1964, he ran 
successfully for Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party. 
The following years of leadership and devoted service to the community 
earned him the nickname ``King Wally.'' Dr. Wilkerson has received 
several accolades for his effective leadership, vision, and hard work, 
has been selected as a delegate for multiple Republican National 
Conventions, and continues to be active in the Associated Republicans 
of Texas. In 1989, Governor William P. Clements appointed Dr. Wilkerson 
as a member of the San Jacinto River Authority Board. In 1995, Governor 
George W. Bush selected Dr. Wilkerson to Chair the Texas Board of 
Health.
  In 1996, Dr. Wilkerson retired from family medicine after thirty-
eight years of service and dedication to his community. Today, he 
relinquishes the helm as Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican 
Patty. Dr. Wilkerson is respected by many and has been a faithful 
friend and source of professional guidance to many. We are thankful he 
chose to make a lasting difference right here in our community. Our 
entire community has been inspired by your character, integrity, 
patience, fairness and optimism. Your principles of freedom and limited 
government enhance the lives and opportunity for the people we seek to 
serve.
  I join the communities of Conroe and Montgomery County in thanking 
Dr. Wilkerson, and I am proud to join him and his wife Neddie Jane in 
celebrating this amazing milestone of service and leadership for fifty-
six successful years.

                          ____________________