Mourning the Loss of George William Owings III

Floor Speech

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Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of an outstanding Marine, Marylander, and American: my friend. George William Owings III. I had the privilege of working with him when he served in the Maryland House of Delegates and during his tenure as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. On October 31, he passed away at the age of 78. His passing was a great loss for our state and country.

Although born in Florida, George was Marylander to his core, growing up in Calvert County and attending Calvert High School and the University of Maryland, College Park. From a young age, he showed tremendous commitment to his community and his country. In 1964, George left UMD to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Serving multiple tours in Vietnam, George attained the rank of Sergeant and received numerous commendations, including the Presidential Citation, Navy Unit Commendation with Bronze Star Device, Navy-Marine Corps Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star Device.

George continued to serve when he returned to Maryland. After finding success in banking, he started a career in Maryland politics. Governor William Donald Schaefer appointed him to serve in the House of Delegates in 1988. He won reelection multiple times and remained in the House of Delegates for sixteen years--ten of which he served as House Majority Whip.

Recognizing George's character, skill as a legislator, and experiences as a veteran, Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed him to serve as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs in 2004. Later, in 2007, Governor Martin O'Malley asked George to stay on as acting Secretary for the department, which he did for six months. Eight years later, Governor Larry Hogan asked him to serve in the role once again. That Democratic and Republican governors alike believed George was best suited to serve the needs of his fellow veterans is a testament to his strong reputation and record of getting things done.

George was a crucial advocate for veterans, military families, and all Marylanders. I join them in mourning his loss. My prayers are with his son George, grandsons Patrick and Emerson, life-partner Katherine Marie Boyd, and the rest of the family and friends he cherished above all else. I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that George's positive impact on our state and our people will forever endure.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in praying for George and all those who mourn him.

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