[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12517-12518]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING PERCY P. CREUZOT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a great 
husband, father, entrepreneur, community activist and all-around great 
American, Percy P. Creuzot, Jr., who passed on from his earthly life on 
Sunday, June 6, 2010. We are privileged and honored to salute him as a 
Great Houstonian for all of America to admire.
  Percy Creuzot had a unique ability to reach out and help others. Mr. 
Creuzot effectively articulated that strong communities are created 
when we recognize that every member of the community is important. He 
demonstrated this belief in every aspect of his life.
  In 1966 his family moved to Houston, Texas, where he was employed by 
Herff-Jones Jewelry, a graduation supply company. Percy's first 
entrepreneurial endeavor in Houston was a snow-ball shop in Houston on 
Dowling and McGowan. There was a dearth of restaurant chains and, even 
fewer operated in minority neighborhoods. Mr. Creuzot saw the need for 
uplifting his community with his cuisine and with that envisioned a 
need and market in Houston for Southern Louisiana foods. With the 
influence from family members he decided to open a small sandwich shop 
in Houston's Third Ward community. The Scott

[[Page 12518]]

Street location sold a variety of oyster, shrimp and roast beef po-
boys; the business became known as ``Frenchy's Po-Boy.'' As the 
business showed promise, expansion into other endeavors was likely. 
With the motivation of a close friend, Mr. Creuzot dove into the fried 
chicken business and ``Frenchy's Creole Fried Chicken'' is a bustling 
business to this day.
  In 1977, Percy expanded his business interests and opened Frenchy's 
Sausage Company. The goal was to produce and market Creole foods to 
restaurants and grocery stores in the Houston area. The business grew 
successfully and is now run by Percy's son, Percy III, and has become a 
leading producer of Creole foods and various processed meats in Houston 
and surrounding areas.
  Percy's civic/community involvements began with a desire to enhance 
the success of Texas Southern University. Percy was a tireless 
supporter of Texas Southern University and, after being appointed by 
Texas Governor Bill Clements to its Board of Regents, he faithfully 
served for 12 years which included being its Vice Chairman. Governor 
Clements also appointed Percy to the Texas Private Industry Council and 
he was appointed to the Houston Citizen's Review Board where he served 
with distinction. Percy also was an active member of the National, 
Texas, and Houston Restaurant Associations as well as serving on the 
Catholic Charities' Board of Directors. Percy was a long time member of 
Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi (Nu Boule) Fraternities and the 
Knights of Peter Claver. Until his death, Percy provided financial 
support to the United Negro College Fund, the Urban League, and the 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, University 
of Houston, Texas Southern University, Xavier University and Hampton 
University.
  Percy is survived by his wife, Sallie Creuzot; daughter Angele; sons 
Percy III (Cheryl) and John; grandchildren Simone and Terry Williams, 
Percy IV , Coline and Phillipe Creuzot, Ethan Creuzot ; great-grandson 
Christien Gilliam; his sister, Martina Cox (Dr. Frank); and numerous 
nieces and nephews. He also left to treasure his memories many in-laws, 
colleagues, friends, community members, numerous Houstonian mentees 
including Anthony Gaynor and Charlie Reado, as well as countless high 
school and college students.
  Madam Speaker, Percy P. Creuzot, Jr.'s life should serve as an 
inspiration to us all. Through his life and through his legacy he has 
challenged those who are caught in the grips of poverty to take control 
of their own destinies. By his openhandedness to his community, he is a 
shining example of how those more fortunate should share their lives 
with others.
  Madam Speaker, a great American is gone from our midst, but we have 
been empowered to carry on his work and continue to press toward the 
mark. His family, friends and everyone he has touched will be in our 
thoughts and prayers.

                          ____________________