[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E197-E198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. IRBY B. HUNTER, 
                                  SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2021

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the life of Dr. Irby Hunter, Sr., who transitioned on February 24, 
2021. It is with sorrow that I mourn his passing, but with great joy 
that I remember his rich legacy.
  Dr. Hunter was born in Lindale, Texas on July 12, 1940 to Oliver and 
Malissa Hunter, the fourth of six children. He excelled in school and 
went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas College 
and a Master of Science in Chemistry from Tuskegee Institute in 1963. 
Thereafter, he continued his education at the The University of Texas 
Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry, where he earned 
his doctorate degree in dental surgery as only the second African 
American to earn a degree from this institution.
  Dr. Hunter launched his dental practice in Dallas, dedicating his 
career to consistently focusing on the health and healing of his 
patients. Throughout his robust career, he served as the President and 
Chairman of the Board of the Gulf State Dental Association for three 
terms. Other noteworthy leadership roles included President and 
Chairman of the M.C. Cooper Dental Society, and affiliation with the 
Dallas County Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, and the 
American Dental Association. Along with his impressive career, Dr. 
Hunter was consistently engaged with his community, serving on the 
founding Board of Directors of the Sunbelt National Bank. Furthermore, 
he was President, Ball Chair, and Chaplain of the Cotillion Idlewild 
Club; a loyal donor to the YMCA Mooreland Branch; and a regular 
volunteer at several Dallas area schools. He remained closely 
affiliated with is alma mater, Texas College, serving on the Trustee 
Board of Directors and regularly attending a host of Texas College 
events.
  Known for his approachable and kind demeanor, Dr. Hunter was a loving 
husband of 58 years, dedicated father of two, and respected community 
member. Beyond his passion for his career and community, he will be 
remembered for encouraging the young people in his life to dedicate 
themselves to their studies as they pay it forward.
  Dr. Hunter is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dr. Oliver 
Hunter, Jr, and sisters, Ruth Byrdsong, Faye Stull, and Rosalind 
McClellan. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Staphalene; daughter, 
Constance Hunter Wilson; son, Dr. Irby Hunter, Jr.; sister, Nancy

[[Page E198]]

Curtis; grandchildren Cecily, Clarke, Camille, Chad, Peyton, Irby III, 
and Thomas; a host nieces and nephews; and the dedicated medical team 
at the East Illinois Clinic in Dallas.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives join me in expressing my condolences to the loved ones 
of Dr. Irby Hunter, Sr. His loss will be felt by many, including 
myself. But I find hope in knowing that his legacy will live on for 
years to come.

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