[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11459]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         CELEBRATING BILL GRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHAKA FATTAH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2013

  Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following letters regarding 
William Gray.

                                   District Attorney's Office,

                        Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 10, 2013.
       Congressman Chaka Fattah: I was deeply saddened upon 
     learning of the untimely passing of Congressman William H. 
     Gray, III, which occurred on July 1, 2013. Congressman Gray 
     had a dynamic and overwhelming personality that touched the 
     lives of thousands of people through his endless humanitarian 
     efforts.
       My life was personally touched by Congressman Gray, when he 
     appointed me to attend the United States Military Academy at 
     West Point. I also owe my military career in a large part to 
     him.
       Our nation has loss one of its finest and distinguished 
     senior statesmen. Congressman Gray was the epitome of a 
     political, religious, and civic leader. He made an indelible 
     impact on the hearts and minds of everyone whose lives he 
     touched. He lived his life striving to improve the quality of 
     life for all mankind. Let this be a living testament to his 
     distinguished legacy.
       Congressman Gray was also blessed with a wonderful wife and 
     fine sons. He had the support of the Bright Hope Baptist 
     Church Family of Philadelphia, various political colleagues 
     and brethren in the ministry, and many friends.
       I extend my deepest condolences to his family. My prayers 
     and thoughts will continue to be with them.
           Sincerely,
                                                 R. Seth Williams,
     District Attorney, City of Philadelphia.
                                  ____


                A Tribute to Congressman William H. Gray

                (By Hon. Robert A. Brady, July 8, 2013)

       Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend and Congressman, 
     Bill Gray. Reverend Gray was an historic figure in 
     Philadelphia and in this country. His contributions to this 
     nation are well known to all of us. So, I'd like to take a 
     moment and just focus on his impact in my own life.
       Bill represented my community in the House for many years. 
     He was one of my most important mentors and supporters as I 
     rose through ranks in Philadelphia politics. I was a ward 
     leader in his district, and was proud to return his support 
     every two years. I leaned on Bill for his wise counsel on how 
     to serve my constituents. He helped me to be a better ward 
     leader, a better party chair, and a better congressman. But, 
     the best counsel I got from Bill was not professional advice. 
     His best advice was about how to be a better father and a 
     better husband while doing this job. He demonstrated that 
     philosophy by his close business relationship with his son, 
     who was by his side at almost every meeting.
       During our frequent dinners, Bill would make sure I 
     understood that I had to get back to Philadelphia as much as 
     I can. He told me to put my family and my neighborhood first 
     and to make sure that I didn't ever forget why I came to 
     Washington in the first place.
       Bill never lost his love for Philadelphia. He and I were 
     working together until the last weeks of his life. He was 
     doing all he could to help our Free Libraries, to build jobs 
     at Comcast and to protect the people of his beloved North 
     Philadelphia.
       Mr. Speaker, Philadelphia, this country and this House will 
     be much poorer for Bill Gray's passing. I urge my colleagues 
     to join the entire Pennsylvania delegation in honoring him 
     today.

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