[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF REVEREND DAVE WASHINGTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable public servant, Reverend Dave Washington, Jr.
  Reverend Washington began his formal, education at Druid High School 
in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He accepted a football scholarship to attend 
Alcorn State University, where he graduated with a degree in Chemistry. 
He later received a Master's Degree in Education Administration from 
Jackson State University.
  Reverend Washington spent 11 years as a NFL Pro Football Player for 
the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. At the age 
of 25, and while still playing in the NFL, Dave became a real estate 
developer. He designed and built a middle-class residential subdivision 
in Port Gibson, MS, which he named Trace Hills. Upon his retirement 
from the NFL in 1981, he served under the administration of Governor 
William Winters before taking on the Directorship of the Farish Street 
YMCA, where he developed the city's largest little league football 
program.
  For all the lives Reverend Washington has touched, his legacy will 
continue in our hearts and in our interactions with colleagues, 
friends, and family. He was truly a dedicated man, husband, father, 
friend, and educator. Reverend Washington, Jr. will forever be 
remembered for his business acumen and passion for education, sports, 
mentoring, and entrepreneurship was a catalyst to many of the worthy 
endeavors for which he was involved. He was one who truly used his 
platform to leverage opportunities for others. He conceived and 
produced youth programs such as the HIS Ranch Youth Summer Program, the 
12+2 Men's Youth Program, the annual Scholarship 3-Point Slam Dunk 
Contest, the Canton Peace Rally and Golf Classic, and his crowning 
charitable achievement, ``Super Bowl Super Kids Super Sunday'', which 
was a precursor program to the modern-day NFL Experience. His 
exceptional life of unyielding faith, devotion to family and the 
greater good will be cherished by his high school sweetheart of 51 
years, Dianne Williams and his four children.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend 
Dave Washington, Jr. for his dedication and tenacity to serving his 
community and desire to be an example for all.

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