[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 29, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE LIFE OF DALE DEES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bean) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life 
and memory of Commissioner Dale Dees from my hometown of Fernandina 
Beach, Florida.
  Mr. Dees reminds me of an Alan Jackson country song, ``Small Town 
Southern Man.'' He was always proud of what he had, and he was raised 
on the ways of gentle kindness.
  Mr. Dees was a lifelong resident of Fernandina Beach. He came from 
humble beginnings, and yet he was a man of great influence. His 
sincerity made everyone feel special.
  As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving Uncle 
Sam. Once he completed his tour of duty, he devoted himself to his 
family's dry cleaner business and revolutionized dry cleaning in 
Fernandina Beach by opening a drive-through option. Eventually, he 
would open the town's first gun shop. He was a self-made businessman, 
and he understood the value of hard work.
  His pride and joy was his family. Sharon was his beloved wife of 62 
years and was his soulmate. Together they were blessed with two 
children, Mike and Michelle; son-in-law Shawn; two grandchildren, and 
great-grandson Kamden.

  Dale exemplified the meaning of leadership, and he saw public service 
as a duty. He served two terms as commissioner for Fernandina Beach and 
strived to make a difference in the lives of everyone in the city.
  Fernandina Beach has lost a pillar of its community. Dale will be 
dearly missed, and our condolences are with his family. He truly was a 
small town Southern man.

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