[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 187 (Monday, November 2, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JESSIE WOLF

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 2, 2020

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of Jessie Wolf, former Sheriff of Tyler County, professional football 
player, and servant of his community.
  Jessie was born on March 4, 1952, to John and Annie Mae Wolf in 
Warren, Texas. He was a long-time resident of Tyler County and 
graduated from Warren High School in 1970. For nearly three decades, 
Jessie ensured the safety of more than 21,000 residents of Tyler County 
serving as a law enforcement officer. He is remembered by many for his 
infectious personality and was loved deeply by the community of which 
he worked tirelessly to keep safe after an impressive career playing 
professional football.
  Jessie played college football and was a weight thrower for the track 
and field team at Prairie View A&M University. Following his college 
graduation, he was recruited by the World Football League where he 
played for the Birmingham Vulcans. A year later, he was drafted into 
the National Football League (NFL) by the Miami Dolphins and helped 
lead the team to a Super Bowl championship in 1974. After his time with 
the Dolphins, he went on to play for two other NFL teams, the 
Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Colts. In 2014, Jessie was 
inducted into his alma mater's Sport's Hall of Fame.
  Following his departure from the NFL, Jessie moved back to Tyler 
County and began his career in law enforcement. After many years of 
service, he assumed the position of Chief Deputy in the early 2000s and 
stepped in as acting Sheriff for Tyler County in 2005. Jessie made 
history as the first African American sheriff of Tyler County and held 
that position until his retirement.
  He married the love of his life, Mary Cravens Wolf, in 2007, and they 
spent many wonderful years together. Throughout his time in law 
enforcement, Jessie made sure that the safety and wellbeing of the 
community he swore to protect remained top priority. In addition to his 
love of football and police service, Jessie enjoyed spending time with 
his family and his beloved six grandchildren.
  Jessie is preceded in death by his parents, John Wolf Sr. and Annie 
Mae Deason Wolf; sister Maggie Lena Wolf Foster; and two brothers, 
James and Joe Wolf. He is survived by his wife, Margie Wolf; two 
daughters, Denise Wright and Shannon Dugas; brother Elray Wolf; two 
sisters, Beatrice Williams and Verdie Wolf; and six grandchildren, 
DeAndre Bell, Kayla Bell, Derrick Wright, Erik Wright, Isaiah Wright, 
and Rashaad Young.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Jessie Wolf for his faithful service to our 
community and county; and my heartfelt prayers remain with his family 
and friends during this difficult time.

                          ____________________