November 1, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 174 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LEGACY OF THOMAS HANIE PARIS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 1, 2019

  Mr. COLLINS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Thomas Hanie Paris, Jr.
  Tom Paris, Jr. was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia. While 
attending Gainesville High School, Tom was elected class president and 
captain of the football team where he earned All-State and All-American 
honors. After graduating from high school, Tom went on to play college 
football at the University of Georgia where he earned his bachelor's 
degree in business administration and was inducted into both Phi Kappa 
Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies, all while being a three-year 
letterman.
  After graduating from college, Tom joined the family business of 
Paris-Dunlap Wholesale Hardware Company, serving as the company's 
president. Building on his success at Paris-Dunlap, Tom founded Paris 
Management and Investment Company and Paris Storage Company.
  Tom was often recognized for his success in business, but above all 
else, he will be remembered for his devotion to his community. Tom 
worked to advance numerous organizations throughout Hall County, 
serving as director of the Gainesville-Hall Chamber of Commerce, 
president of the Gainesville Rotary Club, a founding trustee of 
Lakeview Academy, a trustee of both Brenau University and the Northeast 
Georgia Health System board, and a faithful member of Gainesville First 
United Methodist Church, among many other roles.
  Even after his passing, Tom Paris, Jr. continued to move our 
community forward by raising funds in his memory to renovate the Humane 
Society of Northeast Georgia, which he served as a board member for 
over nine years. We were reminded of his legacy earlier this week as 
the Humane Society held its ribbon cutting ceremony for the Paris 
Family Surgery Suite. The remodeled surgery suite honors Tom's wish 
that the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia renovate the surgery suite 
to provide the most up-to-date care and technology for the animals of 
Northeast Georgia. Because of Tom and the funds for this renovation, 
the Humane Society's lifesaving spay and neuter work will continue for 
decades to come.
  Tom will always be remembered as a steady leader in our community, 
but first and foremost, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father 
and grandfather. On behalf of the people of Northeast Georgia, I hope 
you will join Tom's beloved family in celebrating his remarkable life.

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