Ralph Hall: “I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished native son from the Lone Star State--a distinguished American and a dear…”

“I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished native son from the Lone Star State--a distinguished American and a dear and respected friend--the Honorable Sam Blakeley Hall, Jr., who died Sunday, April 10, 1994, at his home in Marshall, TX, following a long and heroic struggle against cancer. He was 70 years young. Sam was a true Texan in the best sense of the word. He was tall in stature and long on principle, independent in thought and yet responsive to those he served. He was not afraid to fight for those principles he held dear, but his fights were always ethical and honest, fair-minded and good-natured. As a lawyer, a Member of Congress, and a Federal judge for the Eastern District of Texas, Sam was a man of honor and integrity. As a friend, he was respected and loved by hundreds who had the privilege of knowing him well. He was a close personal friend, and I will miss him greatly. My heart-felt sympathy goes to his lovely wife, Madeleine, and to his family, to whom he remained devoted throughout his distinguished career. His memory and many of his virtues will continue to live on through them.”