On the recordJuly 8, 2013
I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him so much for having this Special Order so that we can celebrate the life of our friend and mentor, Bill Gray. Shakespeare wrote: All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts. So it was with Reverend-Doctor-Congressman Bill Gray. He was a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a preacher--Union Baptist in Montclair, New Jersey, Bright Hope in Philadelphia. He pastored my great, great aunt, Aunt Mini, for whom my mother was named. He was a businessman. He was a mentor. He was a servant. He was a legislator. You've heard budget chairman, majority whip of this House of Representatives. He was a bridge builder, particularly in education, understanding that education is an escalator to upward mobility. And he made it possible for thousands and thousands of young people to get a college education. He was a great corporate citizen. He was my friend, a confidant. He gave many items of sage advice and counsel. He was an avid supporter in coming to Georgia to support me when I was a State legislator. He supported me when I ran for Congress and continued to support me for reelection. And, of course, he was a wonderful friend, and we developed a wonderful relationship. I will miss him greatly. His 71 years are but a minute in eternity, but I have to just reflect and say that he did so much with his minute.…
