[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 47 (Friday, March 12, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN WILLIAMS' 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 12, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Williams 
of Allen Park on the occasion of his 100th Birthday. His contributions 
to our community and to our nation are worthy of commendation.
  Mr. Williams was born in Emporia, Kansas and moved to Detroit, 
Michigan as the eldest of nine children when he was only three years 
old. Growing up in Detroit he was an active athlete, playing both 
baseball and football. He proudly cast his very first vote on election 
day for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
  As a young man, he volunteered to serve his country in the United 
States Navy. Stationed in the Pacific, he survived the attacks on Pearl 
Harbor on that infamous day, December 7, 1941. After the death of his 
first wife while she was pregnant with their third child in California, 
Mr. Williams returned to Detroit with his two children. It was here 
where he later met his late wife Oila. Mr. Williams worked for Great 
Lakes Steel in Ecorse, Michigan for nearly 35 years.
  A man of faith, Mr. Williams has served as a deacon at Whitlock 
Memorial Church of God in Christ in Detroit for over 63 years. These 
days, he continues to attend bible study and still makes time to attend 
church services. Friends and family know him as someone with a big 
smile, a love of people, and most importantly, someone who always has 
time to impart his wisdom or share a joke.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John 
Williams on his 100th Birthday. He has honorably served this country 
through his service in the United States Navy during World War II. I 
join with Mr. Williams' family, including his two granddaughters, four 
great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends in extending 
my best wishes to him on his birthday, in celebration of another 
exemplary year of life.

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