Congresswoman Laura Richardson Rises to Pay Tribute to Mr. Lawrence Kenneth Davis

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Lawrence Kenneth Davis, Korean War Veteran and father of California State Assemblyman Mike Davis.

Lawrence Davis died on Saturday, December 4, 2011, at his home in Long Beach. He was 81 years old.

Mr. Davis was born on June 27, 1930 in North Carolina. After graduating from Highland High School in his home state, he went on to attend college at Johnson C. Smith University where he served as a member of the Varsity Football team. While there he met Myrtle Elizabeth Antrum, who he would later marry. After graduation, Lawrence began his career as a faithful employee of Piedmont Heat Treating Company.

Mr. Davis was full of life, eager to learn and deeply involved in his community. While employed at Piedmont Heat Treating Company, Davis worked diligently to receive certification as a metallurgical technician. Mr. Davis' strong work ethic and passion for his trade was demonstrated in whatever task he was assigned.

After his time at the Piedmont Heat Treating Company, Mr. Davis became the Chief of Security at Burt Lynn Middle School where many took note of his passion for his job. He also worked as a referee at local basketball games and entertained the audience with tunes such as ''The Stars and Stripes Forever'' and would ''wow'' the crowd with his roller skating skills.

After moving to California, Mr. Davis' love for learning would lead him to enroll in Los Angeles Trade Technical College where he earned his Associate's Degree in Science. It was in Los Angeles that Lawrence Davis chose to raise his family. His son, Mike Davis, would go on to become a member of the California State Assembly and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on Mr. Davis life let us remember his commitment, love, and passion for service to his community and his country. His inquisitive and youthful nature left a lasting impression on those he encountered every day.

I would like to request a moment of silence in his honor and memory