[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 185 (Tuesday, October 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. WILLIE LEE LAWSON III

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2020

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of my dear friend and pillar of the South Florida community, Mr. 
Willie Lee Lawson III. Willie sadly passed away on September 29, 2020. 
He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. He was born 
in Americus, Georgia, to parents who instilled in him the importance of 
serving his community at an early age. Eventually, Willie and his 
family moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, where he would start to put 
those lessons to use as a community advocate.
  Willie was a selfless leader who served multiple terms as the 
President of the Miami-Dade and North Broward County NAACP, 
respectively, and as the Chair of the Minority Business Council, New 
Alliance of Interactive Leaders & Supporters (NAILS) Founder & 
President, Advanced Certified Toastmaster, and committee leader for 
First-Time Homebuyers Program.
  His dedication and passion for his community and colleagues was 
perhaps only outdone by the love he felt for his family. However, even 
here, Willie took the knowledge and love that came from being a parent 
and husband and used it to support the people around him. Whether it 
was a parent in need of help with a child who was in legal trouble, an 
employee who was wrongfully terminated from their job, or Black 
children in need of support in school, Willie always made time for 
anyone who needed his help.
  Madam Speaker, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Willie's wife, 
Marie; and his children, Kimberly, Keisha, Miraj, and Willie. I pray 
they find comfort during this extremely difficult time. Willie will be 
dearly missed.

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