[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 132 (Friday, August 5, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E825]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SAMUEL ``LOYD'' NEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL CLOUD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 2022

  Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, today, I wish to honor the life and legacy 
of Samuel ``Loyd'' Neal.
  Loyd Neal was a leader committed to serving his neighbors in Corpus 
Christi and Nueces County.
  Born in Paris, Texas, Loyd went on to join the United States Army and 
attend Texas A&M University.
  After graduating from Texas A&M in 1959, he married his high school 
sweetheart, Thetis, and they moved to Fort Benning, Georgia, where Loyd 
would report for Army Ranger School.
  In 1963, Loyd and Thetis moved to Corpus Christi and made it their 
permanent home.
  Corpus Christi gave Loyd his start in the insurance industry.
  His career in the industry lasted 40 years, alongside a 30-year 
career in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve.
  Loyd left the military in 1989 having attained the rank of colonel.
  In 1998, the City of Corpus Christi elected him to become mayor.
  He was re-elected three more times, and his 8-year tenure was 
successful in facilitating the construction of the American Bank Center 
Arena, Whataburger Field, and updating the Harbor Bridge.
  His passion for his community made it difficult for Corpus Christi to 
let him go as their leader.
  Two years after he stepped down as mayor of Corpus Christi, he was 
elected to serve as Nueces County judge.
  He served in this role for 12 years, and people leaned on him to help 
rebuild following Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
  Loyd's service to the city and county went beyond that of official 
office.
  He volunteered his spare time to other organizations and groups 
dedicated to serving the Corpus Christi region.
  As a veteran, he was committed to helping members of our military and 
veterans.
  It was only natural that he would be appointed by Governors Bush and 
Perry to serve on both the Texas Strategic Military Planning Commission 
and the Texas Military Preparedness Commission.
  He also championed local military bases and veterans on the South 
Texas Military Task Force.
  In addition to membership in these military organizations, Loyd 
served as president of the Texas Municipal League, chairman of the 
Corpus Christi Economic Development Corporation, chairman of the Corpus 
Christi Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the I-69 Alliance, and the 
list goes on.
  From the Harbor Bridge to Whataburger Field, Loyd Neal's impact on 
the community will live on for years to come.
  Corpus Christi was made better as a result of Loyd Neal.
  His family and loved ones are in my prayers during this time of loss.

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