[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF BILL PRESTAGE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
a dear friend of mine and so many others, William Harold Prestage, a 
true gentleman whom we all loved and knew as Bill.
  Bill is survived by his wife, Marsha; his three sons, Scott, John, 
and Ron; and multiple grandchildren, who were his greatest joy and with 
whom he had his most cherished days.
  I first met Bill Prestage when I was a staffer for U.S. Senator Jesse 
Helms. After that first encounter, I would see and talk with him many 
times over the years at more community, agriculture, and political 
events than one could ever imagine. He was always a delight. He would 
cut to the chase in a very charming and direct way, and there was never 
any question of what he liked or what he didn't like. You always knew 
right where he stood on a matter. He was a lion of a man with a heart 
of gold.
  He was well known as a devout family man and an exceptional member of 
his community, one who would give you the shirt off his back if you 
needed it. Starting from very humble beginnings in the 1960s and with 
no agriculture experience, Bill pioneered what is now one of the 
country's largest family-owned and family-operated animal protein 
production companies.
  The foundation of this family enterprise was laid when Bill joined 
his good friend Otis Carroll, whom he met upon moving to North 
Carolina. These two great entrepreneurs joined together and helped 
transform pork and turkey production, bringing significant economic 
development to southeastern North Carolina.
  In 1983, Bill, along with his wife, Marsha, and his sons, established 
what is known today as Prestage Farms. Today, with each generation of 
the family involved in the business, the Prestage Farms and Prestage 
Foods companies have five divisions across seven States, with three 
processing plants collectively employing more than 2,300 people and 
contracting with more than 450 farm families.
  The company's multigenerational success is a true testament to Bill's 
entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic, as well as his devotion to his 
family and his employees. He was truly beloved by his family and 
friends, the agriculture community, and the hardworking employees and 
growers who make up the Prestage family of companies.
  His people were his passion, and they loved their leader 
tremendously. Those outside of the family business loved Bill, too. 
Though he was far too humble to think it, Bill was, in fact, a very 
well-known and very well-liked celebrity wherever he went, not just in 
Sampson County but throughout the State and country, particularly in 
agriculture, wildlife, and conservation circles.
  Beyond Bill's impact on the agriculture community, he is well known 
for his love of nature and the outdoors. As a result, he was an avid 
conservationist. Upland bird hunting, boating, and fishing were among 
his greatest joys, especially when his family would join him.
  There is no doubt that Bill not only made a name for himself as a 
pioneer in agriculture, but he also made our State and country a better 
place to live. He leaves behind a great legacy that will have an 
everlasting impact, as well as many great memories. Everyone who knew 
Bill loved Bill, and that, in and of itself, is arguably one of the 
greatest legacies one can have.
  I know I speak for countless others when I say Bill is deeply missed. 
His was a life of a great American and patriot, well lived, and an 
example of the best of humanity.


       Congratulating Nicola ``Niki'' Dennis Upon Her Retirement

  Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
career of Niki Dennis, who recently retired as Bladen County Clerk of 
Superior Court following 43 years of distinguished public service.
  Niki is a proud lifelong resident of Bladen County, and in 1979, she 
started her career at the Bladen County Courthouse, working as a deputy 
clerk.
  Thanks to Niki's hard work, determination, professionalism, and 
kindness, she advanced quickly through the ranks and became an integral 
team member in the clerk's office. In 2006, Niki was elected high clerk 
and served in this capacity until her retirement recently.
  Over the years, Niki has been a mentor and friend to so many. She 
managed multiple clerks while navigating the everyday challenges of the 
clerk's office with respect, grace, and professionalism, setting an 
example for public service that all should strive to emulate.
  On behalf of the citizens of Bladen County and the entire Seventh 
Congressional District, I thank Niki for her many years of service to 
Bladen County. I wish her great health and joy as she embarks on this 
next chapter of life. May God continue to bless her path.

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