Harris Honors the Life of Former Union County Commissioner Gary Sides

WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) spoke on the House floor to honor the life of Gary Sides, a former Union County Commissioner and longtime public servant. In his remarks, Rep. Harris spoke of Sides' years of tireless service, his dedication to public education, and the example he set through his faith.
Watch his full remarks here or by clicking the image below.
Rep. Harris's remarks as delivered:
"Today we honor Gary Sides, a man who gave over a decade of public service to Union County, North Carolina. As a former Union County Commissioner, he spent years not only serving but truly changing lives. "Gary Sides was a constant champion of students, especially those with special needs. He stood beside families of every kind. He showed up, again and again, for his community. "In December of 2024, Gary Sides was sworn in as Union County commissioner-a role that reflected the trust our community had in him and the dedication he had already proven. "But just four months after he was sworn in, Gary received a devastating diagnosis: stage IV glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. "And yet, even in the face of that unimaginable heartbreak, Gary's life remains a testament, not to hardship, but to service. "Gary lived a life that put others first. Every single day, he served the people of Union County with humility, compassion, and purpose. "He focused on what mattered most: education, public safety, and the well-being of Union County. If something needed to be done, Gary was there to do it. "But beyond his work, Gary was a man of deep faith. A man who walked with God, who was led by faith, and who found strength in something greater than himself. And in that, we find peace in knowing that he is now in Heaven with our Father, Jesus Christ. "So today, let us not only remember Gary Sides, but let us learn from him. "Let us live in a way that, when our time comes, we too will be remembered as someone who gave more than they took. "And above all, let us keep our faith at the center of all we do, just as Gary did every day of his life. "May Gary rest in the Lord's embrace, and may we lift up his family and friends in prayer, surrounding them with the same love that he so freely gave."
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