[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8877]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FRED D. WILLIAMS III

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Ms. Sewell) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay 
tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Fred D. Williams III, a beloved 
husband and father, highly respected community leader, and successful 
business owner from the great State of Alabama, who sadly passed away 
on June 11, 2013 at the age of 76. This phenomenal man was an 
extraordinary source of wisdom and guidance for me and so many others.
  While I'm deeply saddened by his passing, I am confident that his 
legacy will continue through the countless people that he touched 
during his life.
  For more than 50 years, this exceptional man owned and operated 
Fred's Flower and Gift Shop in the historic Selma, Alabama. Opened on 
October 15, 1956, Fred's Flower and Gift Shop served as a pillar in the 
Selma community until July 2011, when Mr. Fred Williams retired. Mr. 
Fred Williams, III represents a whole line of wonderful business owners 
in my home town of Selma, Alabama.
  Fred Williams was married for 45 years to Martha J. Williams, who 
preceded him in death on July 15, 2003. Their marriage was blessed with 
two beautiful children, Kaye Frances Williams of Alexandria, Virginia, 
and Kimberly Joyce Williams of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was also the 
doting and loving grandfather of McKenzie and Madison Dillon.
  For me, this is a personal loss since I was privileged to be raised 
by Fred Williams. His daughter Kim was my childhood best friend, and I 
grew up in the Williams household. In fact, there is not a childhood 
memory of mine that does not include the Williams family or my many 
visits to Fred's Florist.
  Because of the closeness my family shared with the Williamses over 
the years, I affectionately called him Uncle Fred. Uncle Fred has left 
an indelible mark on the city of Selma, Alabama, and I am so grateful 
for the part he played in raising me.
  While I am sad that I am not able to attend the funeral today to be 
with Kim and Kaye, I rejoice in knowing that Uncle Fred's legacy will 
live on in the many people that he touched. I find comfort in 
remembering his hearty laugh, the way he always walked with his head 
cocked to one side, and of course the way he always brought a smile to 
my face as he called me Terri Sue. I will forever carry with me the 
love, support, laughter and precious memories of Uncle Fred.
  On behalf of the State of Alabama and this Nation, I ask my 
colleagues of the United States House of Representatives to join me in 
celebrating the wonderful life and legacy of Mr. Fred D. Williams III, 
an extraordinary American and an Alabama treasure.
  He came by his entrepreneurship spirit honestly, following in the 
footsteps of his forefathers who were prominent business owners in 
Selma.
  His floral expertise was legendary and his leadership in the industry 
was highly acclaimed. In 1970, Fred Williams became the first African-
American member of the Alabama State Florist Association. As a 
trailblazer, he achieved recognition at the state level in 1979 when he 
served as the President of the Alabama State Florist Association and 
ultimately received the Association's Lifetime Membership Award for his 
dedicated service.
  Integrally involved in his family businesses, Fred also owned and 
operated Fairlawn Memory Gardens and was Corporate President of J.H. 
Williams and Sons Funeral Home, a 108-year-old family business. He was 
a licensed funeral director and former member of the Alabama Funeral 
Directors and Morticians Association.
  Fred Williams was known as a savvy business leader and a caring 
professional who took great pride in ensuring his floral arrangements 
were beautiful and personal for each occasion. He was beloved, 
respected and admired in our community. Many will remember him as the 
``dean of the floral business'' who inspired and provided exceptional 
mentorship for other florists in the industry.
  Fred Williams spent his formative years in Selma, Alabama. He moved 
with his family to Richmond, Virginia in the 1950s where he graduated 
from Maggie L. Walker High School. He then attended the historic 
Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After graduation, he returned 
to his hometown of Selma and opened his flower shop in 1956.
  Fred Williams was actively involved in every facet of the Selma 
community. His love of people and his hometown was evident in his 
tireless efforts to make the City of Selma a better place. The list of 
clubs and organizations included the Selma-Dallas County Historic 
Preservation Society, the Selma-Dallas Chamber of Commerce and he also 
served on the boards for the Vaughan-Smitherman Building and Sturdivant 
Hall. He was a charter member of the 12 High Club as well as the 
Chesterfield Club and he was a founding member of the Tuesday Night 
Men's Group. He was a long-time member of the Historic Brown Chapel 
A.M.E. Church where he earned the title of ``Trustee Emeritus'' for his 
generosity and dedicated service to the church.

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