[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E326-E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT WILLIAM DOUGLASS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2024

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. William 
``Bill'' Douglass of Sherman, Texas, and present him with the 
Congressional Patriot Award. Bill is a distinguished American who has 
faithfully served our community and country.
  A native of Pennsylvania, Bill graduated from Muhlenberg College in 
1958 as a Dean's List Scholar. He later joined the United States Marine 
Corps and Army, serving as a First Lieutenant specializing in Combat 
Intelligence. Afterwards, Bill began his career in the oil industry as 
part of ExxonMobil's Sales team and

[[Page E327]]

quickly worked his way up to become one of their Senior Advisors. It 
was during this time that his entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to 
pursue his very own path in the oil distribution business. In the early 
1980s, Bill left Exxon and purchased a petroleum distribution company 
in Sherman, now known as Douglass Distributing. Douglass Distributing 
employs over 400 individuals across North Texas whose establishments 
include gas stations, Lone Star convenience stores, and fast-food 
franchises. If you drive through North Texas. you'll likely stop at one 
of the many stores owned by Bill.
  For his exemplary work, Bill's signature Lone Star brand won 
Convenience Store of the Year twice. He was also recognized as an 
Employer of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Workforce 
Commission. In 2008, Bill was inducted into the Convenience Store Hall 
of Fame. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Texoma Medical Center's 
Board of Trustees and is a board member at Austin College, where he 
received an honorary Ph.D. for his contributions to the Sherman 
community. I am proud of the work Bill has accomplished to innovate the 
next generation of convenience stores and improve the world around us.
  It is an honor to bestow Bill with the Patriot Award for his 
exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.

                          ____________________