REMEMBERING JOHN BILLINGSLEY

On 2025-03-11, Representative Jodey C. Arrington (R-TX-19) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING JOHN BILLINGSLEY" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered agriculture.

REMEMBERING JOHN BILLINGSLEY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [House] [Pages H1074-H1075] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1030 REMEMBERING JOHN BILLINGSLEY (Mr. Arrington of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of a west Texas giant, a proud Texas Tech Red Raider, a loving husband and father, and my dear friend, John Billingsley. From humble beginnings in O'Donnell, Texas, John's entrepreneurial spirit and west Texas work ethic propelled him to a series of successful ventures, becoming one of the most accomplished business leaders in the entire country. A common man with uncommon character, endless vision, and a love for God and people as big as the west Texas horizon, John was the epitome of the American Dream. His life was proof that greatness is often found in the most obscure places and within the most unassuming people. John was a true gentleman whose uncanny business acumen was matched only by his humility, integrity, and authenticity. John's story reminds us that with big dreams, hard work, and determination, the opportunities in this great country of ours are endless. We grieve this great loss with his loving wife, Harriett, and the entire Billingsley family. We pray God's comfort for them, but we celebrate alongside them, as well. We celebrate John's amazing life and legacy and all the tremendous contributions he made to his friends, family, community, and our beloved country. God bless the Billingsley family, and go west Texas. Honoring Jonathan Nicholas Williams Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Jonathan Nicholas Williams, beloved husband, father, true west Texan, and dear friend of mine. When I first met Jon at a Farm Bureau meeting in Terry County, he was brutally honest, direct, and plainspoken, like a lot of ag producers. While the meeting was tension filled, we became fast friends. Jon was the epitome of a west Texas farmer, no doubt: hardworking, God-fearing, and humble, a man who was totally dedicated to his family, community, and friends. Anyone who knew Jon would tell you that his greatest source of joy was his family, his beautiful children, Paisley, Lexi, Owen, and Willow, whom he raised with the love and support of his wife, Melissa. A proud and committed father, he instilled in his children the values of personal responsibility, perseverance, and, of course, a love of the land. I know I speak for the entire community of west Texas when I say that the Williams family is in our prayers, and our entire community stands ready to care for them in the same way that Jon cared for us, his community, and his friends. May God comfort the Williams family, and may He give all of us the courage and character that Jon had to live up to his legacy of truth- telling, servant leadership, and fighting for all we believe is good and right in this world. May God bless my friend, Jon, and may he rest in peace. Blessings on his family. Go west Texas. [[Page H1075]] ____________________