[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E691-E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOE WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2020

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life of Joe Williams, a great Texan who became an angel on July 24, 
2020. I salute his lifetime of service and join his loved ones in 
mourning his loss.
  Joe's dedication to both nation and family reflect the values we hold 
dear in Central Texas. A fellow graduate of Texas Tech University, he 
spent a lifetime working in and advocating for the retail and groceries 
industries. Starting in the 1960's, Joe spent 24 years at Mrs. Baird's 
Bakeries--Bimbo Bakeries USA, before serving as president of the Gulf 
Coast Retailers Association beginning in 1994 until its merger with the 
Texas Retailers Association in 2006. Joe finished his career with the 
Texas Retailers Association as Vice President for Regulatory and Member 
Services and head of the Texas Food Council.
  A tireless champion for the food sector, Joe played a key leadership 
role in several industry-related organizations, including the American 
Leadership Forum, Food Industry Association, Food Industry Association 
Executives Board of Directors, Texas Interagency Task Force for EBT, 
and the Texas Attorney General's Employer Task Force. He also served on 
the advisory board for The University of Houston's Retailing and 
Consumer Science Department and was appointed to USDA's Maternal, 
Infant, and Fetal Nutrition National Advisory Council, which he chaired 
in 2006.
  Joe's advocacy wasn't limited to the interests of the food industry. 
He also served as the President of his community's Municipal Water 
District and served many years on the Board of a local non-profit 
(SEARCH) that works with the homeless, and in addition served on the 
Board of The Greater Houston Chapter of the Red Cross. His work at 
these

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organizations speaks to the devotion of one committed to service.
  In addition to his leadership in the business and philanthropic 
community, Joe was a loving husband of more than 50 years to Jackie, 
father to Jeremy and Jo Leigh, and a proud grandfather. He was a dear 
friend and mentor to many in both Texas and well beyond our borders.
  While we mourn Joe Williams' passing, his presence was a blessing for 
all who knew him. The positive and lasting impacts he had on the lives 
of others will remain forever in our hearts.

                          ____________________