Wishing World War II Veteran and Community Benefactor Oakley Farris A Happy 100th Birthday

Floor Speech

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Mr. MASSIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and wish a very happy and special 100th birthday to my constituent, Mr. Oakley Farris.

Mr. Farris grew up near Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and fought heroically in World War II. After returning from his tour of duty in Europe, Mr. Farris settled in Covington, Kentucky, and began working as a salesman, traveling up and down the East Coast.

It was on a sales trip to Miami that Mr. Farris met his future wife, Eva. An immigrant from Havana, Cuba, Eva went on to study at Columbia University. She motivated her husband to capitalize on his hard-working and entrepreneurial spirit. Together, the Farrises built a successful real estate business, and at one point, owned over 40 residential buildings.

Mr. Farris and his late wife made countless investments in our community. Many schools, medical establishments, and organizations in Northern Kentucky have benefited from Mr. Farris' generosity. Mr Farris has said he came into this world with nothing and plans to leave it the same way--a true testament to his charitable nature. I am grateful for all that Mr. Farris has done for my constituents, and I am honored to represent him in Washington.

Happy Birthday to Oakley. May he have many more years of good health and happiness.

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