[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 116 (Monday, July 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E728-E729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF HAROLD SLEMP

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2024

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Harold 
Slemp, who passed away on April 20th, at the age of 89.
  Mr. Slemp was born in Sugar Grove, Virginia on October 10, 1934. He 
mostly grew up in Marion, Virginia.
  In 1957, Mr. Slemp graduated with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural 
Economics from Virginia Tech.
  The insurance industry welcomed Mr. Slemp's hard work and dedication. 
He began a business career with Allstate Insurance in Roanoke, Virginia 
before returning to Marion, where he started as an insurance agent and 
later became president of Giles and Miles Insurance company. His run as 
president and a leading insurance voice would last forty years.
  As a successful insurance agent, his customers and colleagues 
appreciated his work and recognized him. The Independent Insurance 
Agents of Virginia offered Mr. Slemp to serve one term as chairman of 
their association. He was awarded the ``Golden Eagle'' for his 
outstanding contributions to the insurance industry, and named agent of 
the year.
  The well-being of others was of particular interest to Mr. Slemp. He 
served a term on Smyth County's Board of Supervisors, served as 
president of the Marion Lions Club, chairman of the Smyth County 
Chamber of Commerce. Also, Governor George Allen appointed Mr. Slemp to 
the Charitable Gaming Commission, which included a two-year stint as 
chairman. His charity and service to his community were well-
documented.
  Mr. Slemp cared much for serving his country. While at Virginia Tech, 
he served in the university's Corps of Cadets program. In 2007, he was 
inducted into the ``Old Guard'' of the Corps of Cadets.
  He is survived by his sons, Christopher Slemp (Heidi) of Marion, VA, 
David Robinson-Slemp of Washington D.C.; daughter, Amy Slemp (Toby) of 
Gothenburg, Sweden; his ``little sister,'' Mavis Williams (Roger) of 
Marion, VA; brother, Scottie Slemp (Robin) of Cartersville, GA; sister, 
Patty Slemp Mauney of Decatur, GA; sisters-in-law, Thelma Mathena (Don) 
and Nancy Robinson; grandchildren, Thomas, Jacob, Noah, Emma, Austin, 
Autumn, Alex and Ashlynn; several accomplished nieces, nephews and 
cousins; god-children, Andrea Boone and Jenny Boone; and numerous 
friends.
  Smyth County has produced some of the finest human beings I have ever 
met, Mr. Slemp being one of them. He had profound impacts on his loved 
ones as a husband, father and family member, and his community as an 
insurance agent, public official and friend.
  I had the honor of knowing Mr. Slemp for many years. When I was 
younger, Mr. Slemp and his wife would take my mother, sister and me out 
to lunch at Bailey's cafeteria. This treat was a gesture I remember 
fondly. He was very good to my family when there was nothing to gain, 
except the knowledge that he was doing something nice.
  As a student at Emory & Henry College, he offered to assist me in any 
way. He was a leading Republican figure for years and served as 
Chairman of the Smyth County Republican Committee. He was a big 
supporter of mine in politics and a good friend. He will be missed by 
many.

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