[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO FORMER ESCAMBIA COUNTY, ALABAMA COMMISSIONER WILLIAM AMERICA

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a 
groundbreaking public servant, businessman and beloved church member in 
Escambia County, Alabama, who passed away on April 3 at the age of 77.
  Over the course of his long life in south Alabama, William America, 
Sr. epitomized hard work and community service. At an early age, he 
followed his heart to serve the Lord. He later carried that same 
devotion into his careers as a local businessman and public servant.
  A native of Camden, Alabama, William America settled in Atmore in 
1945 with his parents. An active member of his church choir, he formed 
his own quartet at the age of 15. After starting a family with his 
wife, he spent decades reaching out to the people of Atmore and 
Escambia County through his many activities.
  William America was the manager and owner of America's Superfood 
store and also served on the United Bank Board of Directors. But being 
a businessman was only the beginning for Mr. America.
  He was president and founder of the United Civic Club, president of 
the Escambia County Branch of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC), 
president of the Progressive Civic and Recreational Club (PCRC), and a 
member of the NAACP, the Hospital Board and the Chamber of Commerce.
  Mr. America didn't stop there, however. He also took to the airwaves 
as a broadcaster on a local religious radio station where he had a 
considerable audience.
  Above all, William America is best known for another of his public 
activities--serving as Escambia County's first African American County 
Commissioner. Commissioner America spent eight years in office, four of 
which as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
  Commissioner America left a large imprint on the lives of his 
community through his uncommon devotion to serve his fellow man.
  I wish to extend my condolences to his wife, Pauline Powers America, 
and their five children, Shirley Jean Williams, Cynthia Paulette 
(Alton) Williams, William America, Jr., James (Lesa) America, and Ellen 
(Manuel) Valenzuela, and their entire family.

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