[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 172 (Thursday, November 3, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF EUGENE BURTON GIFFORD, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2022

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Eugene Burton, Jr. Gene was born on July 9, 1934, in Boston, 
Massachusetts, to Claudia Johnie Gifford and Eugene Burton Gifford, Sr. 
At age five, his family relocated to Booneville, and he spent his 
childhood as a bright student at Thrasher School where he played 
basketball, served as treasurer of his senior class and received state 
and national awards in forestry for 4-H and FFA.
  After graduating Thrasher High School in 1954, Gene attended 
Northeast Mississippi Junior College where he had the distinct honor of 
being elected Student Body President his freshman and sophomore years. 
Gene continued his education at The University of Mississippi where he 
received a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a lifelong 
love for the Ole Miss Rebels.
  A dedicated student, Gene dual-enrolled in Ole Miss Law School during 
his senior year. He served as an associate editor of the Mississippi 
Law Journal before graduating law school in 1960. He met the love of 
his life, Betty Potts, on a blind date at the Catfish Hotel. The couple 
was married on December 23, 1960, and began their lives together in 
Booneville.
  An advocate for education, Gene served as the Director in the 
Mississippi School Board Association and a member of the State Ethics 
Commission. He also dedicated many years of his life giving back to 
Thrasher High School, and in 2007, received the Super Rebel Award for 
over half a century of contributions to the school.
  A devout Christian, Gene was a member of Gaston Baptist church for 70 
years, where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee for 26 
years and moderator for 36 years. He also served on the Building 
Committee during the construction of the Baptist Student Union at 
Northeast Mississippi Community College.
  Those closest to Gene appreciate his quiet strength, integrity, 
intellect, enormous heart, sense of humor, avid storytelling, 
dedication to his work and sincere love for his family.
  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Harold Eugene 
Gifford and Dr. William ``Bill'' Burton Gifford and sister, Carole 
Gifford Spencer.
  Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Potts Gifford; his 
children Sharon Gifford Cheek (Jeff) of Booneville, Tracey Gifford 
Smith (Tim) of Corinth, and Ginger Gifford Kizer (Brandon) of Oxford. 
He was the loving grandfather of Lauren Cheek Watts (Jordan), Megen 
Grace Carpenter, Gracie Cheek Pratt (Brooks), Savannah Grace Smith, 
Annalyn Faith Carpenter, Houston Gifford Cheek, Victoria Smith Fox 
(Tucker), Olivia Hope Carpenter, Nyles Gifford Smith, Lillian Faye 
Kizer and great-grandfather of Vivian Grace Pratt.

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