[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E981-E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF TOMMY WEAVER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Tommy 
Weaver, a lifelong native of East Texas, who passed away recently at 
the age of 70.
  On April 26, 1951, Tommy was born to Charlie ``CC'' Chester and 
Winnie Bell Weaver in Jasper, Texas. His father worked at Keller 
Industries, and his mother worked in the food

[[Page E982]]

service department at Woodville ISD. Tommy was truly blessed to have 
one of the best cooks in Southeast Texas as his mother, and his meals 
were southern-style home-cooking for the whole family. Tommy loved the 
holidays, as it was a time when his family came together to enjoy his 
mother's meals and each other's company at the old home place.
  While attending Kirby High School, Tommy was actively involved in 
sports, As a teenager, he developed a love of hunting. Tommy felt 
blessed to have been raised in East Texas, surrounded by nature and 
wildlife. On any given day, you could find him fishing in ``Dam B'', 
swimming in Wolf Creek lake, or chasing squirrels. Being the baby of 
the family, there was a never a dull moment and always plenty to do.
  In 1973, Tommy graduated from Lamar University with a bachelor's in 
accounting. Shortly after, Tommy married the love of his life, Kathy 
Harriett Tolar. They started their lives together in Beaumont, TX, 
where he worked with Edgar and Kiker, CPAs. After a few years, Tommy 
and Kathy returned home to Woodville, where Tommy established his 
accounting firm, Weaver and Smith, CPAs. In 1987, he began working at 
Woodville ISD as the Assistant Superintendent of Finance, where he 
would spend the next 23 years before his retirement.
  After he was retired, Tommy continued to do what he liked best: 
hunting, golfing, and watching his grandchildren play. He also enjoyed 
utilizing his financial expertise volunteering with numerous 
organizations such as First Baptist Church, Jacob's Ladder Learning 
Center, the Lions Club, and Allan Shivers Library. Additionally, Tommy 
served on the board of Tyler County Hospital and ultimately became 
Chairman.
  Tommy made life-long friends over his 43 years of membership in the 
Woodville Lions Club, including honors such as: the Outstanding Lion of 
the Year, Long Time Service, Lifetime Membership in Texas Lions Camp, 
and the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Tommy recently 
received a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding commitment 
and dedication to service, which was presented to his sons on his 
behalf.
  Early in life, Tommy's mother instilled in him the love of his Lord 
and Savior, and as a young boy he attended Ebenezer Baptist Church. 
Tommy later led his family to become members of the First Baptist 
Church of Woodville, where he served as trustee and a deacon. Tommy 
thoroughly enjoyed his men's Sunday school class and occasionally 
filled in as the teacher, using his passion and thoughtfulness to 
deliver the weekly lesson.
  Tommy's primary devotion throughout life was the growth and support 
of his family. He spent many years coaching his three boys in various 
sports. While not on the sports field, they could usually be found out 
enjoying nature with their father. Nothing brought Tommy more pleasure 
than taking his boys hunting and ``bringing home the meat.'' The time 
spent together in sports and outdoors is where Tommy instilled in his 
boys the same values and faith that guided him throughout his life. 
Tommy and Kathy were both blessed to have the privilege of watching 
their three boys grow to be leaders within their communities.
  Tommy and Kathy both enjoyed traveling. One of their most memorable 
trips was to Athens, Greece, where they visited the Areopagus (Mars 
Hill) where Paul the Apostle gave his most famous message. Tommy 
especially enjoyed reading the books of the Bible written by Paul.
  Tommy's greatest love was his family and seven grandchildren, who 
lovingly called him ``Pops.'' The beloved family dog, Toto, always knew 
when Pops was home and frequently landed in his lap for a cuddle. Tommy 
is remembered by his family as ``an oak tree . . . strong, mighty, and 
courageous.''
  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie ``CC'' and Winnie 
Bell Weaver, and his sister Virginia Carruth. He is survived by his 
devoted wife of 46 years, Kathy Tolar Weaver of Doucette; sons, Travis 
and wife Jamie of Doucette, Ryan and wife Amanda of Lumberton, Lane and 
wife Amber of Kingwood; grandchildren, Reed, Laural, Tyler, Karson, 
Lathan, Lucas, and Blake; brothers, Charley and wife Diana of San 
Antonio, Kenneth and wife Charlotte of Woodville; sister, Barbara 
Wilson of Woodville, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to honor my friend Tommy Weaver for his 
many years of faithful service to his community. My thoughts and 
prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

                          ____________________