[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9647-9648]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      ACKNOWLEDGING LUCILLE HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2015

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Lucille Harris, 
who will be honored by the Manteca Chamber of Commerce with their 
Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is given to prominent 
individuals who diligently enhance the lives of the residents, youth, 
and businesses in the community.
  Lucille Harris was born in Manteca, California to John and Mary 
Mendosa. Following her graduation from Manteca High School in 1950, she 
furthered her education by attending Humphreys Business College.
  In 1951, Lucille married the late William Robert Harris, and together 
they laid the foundation of a successful business enterprise. In 1955, 
Lucille and Bill purchased the Smith Welding Company, and five years 
later, the business evolved into Tuff Boy Sales Inc., also known as 
Tuff Boy Leasing and Equipment Sales. This year, the business will be 
celebrating its 60th anniversary. In addition to Tuff Boy Sales Inc., 
Lucille and Bill also own W/L Harris Ranches, where Lucille remains an 
active manager in both companies today.
  Community involvement has always been an important part of the Harris 
family, which is why they are devoted to several different clubs and 
organizations. Believing that history is vital to the community, 
Lucille is the trustee of the Manteca Historical Society and a member 
of the Ripon Historical Society. She puts a high emphasis on reading 
and writing and has a significant role in both Manteca and Ripon 
``Friends of the Library'' programs. Furthermore, Lucille is an active 
member of the Manteca, Lathrop, and Ripon, Chambers of Commerce.
  Lucille has always believed education to be essential, and has 
committed herself to several youth programs. The Harris name is 
renowned for their gracious donations and extensive dedication to fund 
many educational endeavors. They have been major sponsors of the 
California State University, Stanislaus ``Great Valley Writing 
Project'', St. Anthony's School, Boys and Girls Club, RCAF Ripon 
Community Athletic Foundation, FFA, 4H programs, as well as supporting 
the Give Every Child a Chance program.
  For many years, Lucille has been a strong supporter of two grass root 
organizations; Citizens for Judicial Integrity, supporting ADA 
Legislation Reform, and Neighbor's United, supporting sensible growth 
and agriculture protection. In addition, she has joined Californians 
against Lawsuit Abuse, the Civil Justice Association of California, and 
the National Federation of Independent Business.

[[Page 9648]]

  Over her lifetime, Lucille has received many awards, one of the most 
recent being the Women's Connection--Lady of Influence Award in 2012, 
for leading the way in business, industry, and enterprise. In 2013, 
Bill and Lucille were inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame in the 
fields of business, community service, and at-large.
  Together, Lucille and Bill raised three children, son Martin Harris 
and two daughters Marcia Perkins and Melissa King, who all reside 
locally. They are also proud grandparents to seven grandkids and five 
great-grandchildren. Unfortunately, on October 27, 2012, Lucille's 
beloved husband Bill passed away after 61 years of marriage.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in acknowledging Lucille Harris, an 
extraordinary woman whose contributions to her family, community and 
the economic vitality of Manteca have made her an ideal candidate to 
receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manteca Chamber of 
Commerce.

                          ____________________