S.R. No. 769 1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride 1-3 in recognizing Ray Wharton of Bandera, Texas, on his induction 1-4 into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City on 1-5 October 23, 1994; and 1-6 WHEREAS, Crowned the World's Champion of Calf Ropers by 1-7 the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1956, Ray Wharton won or placed 1-8 at every major rodeo in the United States during his outstanding 1-9 career; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Often referred to as the "Mighty Mite" of 1-11 rodeo's calf ropers, Ray Wharton first began roping when he was 1-12 a four-year-old by swinging nooses around goats in a neighbor's 1-13 arena; at the age of seven, he suffered a bad fall and subsequent 1-14 bone disease in his right arm and was threatened with the loss of 1-15 his arm; and 1-16 WHEREAS, An individual of uncommon determination and 1-17 perseverance, Ray Wharton regained the use of his arm, started 1-18 roping again, and worked on ranches in the Bandera area; his 1-19 first rodeo win was at Sabinal, Texas, and after 11 years of 1-20 competition in rodeos, he won the National Western at Denver; 1-21 and 1-22 WHEREAS, He became a roper of incomparable finesse and 1-23 captured his World Championship at the Madison Square Garden 2-1 Rodeo in New York City, crowning his highly successful career; 2-2 and 2-3 WHEREAS, Famous for his stamina, strength, and talent in the 2-4 rodeo world, Ray Wharton also became well known for his sincere 2-5 and warm personality and his generosity in helping others; and 2-6 WHEREAS, A gifted athlete who overcame adversity to achieve 2-7 his goals, Ray Wharton is an exemplary individual and a legendary 2-8 figure whose life story is a model of tenacity for youths across 2-9 the country; now, therefore, be it 2-10 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-11 74th Legislature, hereby commend Ray Wharton on his outstanding 2-12 achievements and extend to him congratulations on his induction 2-13 into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame; and, be it further 2-14 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 2-15 him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. 2-16 Wentworth 2-17 Armbrister Henderson Ratliff 2-18 Barrientos Leedom Rosson 2-19 Bivins Lucio Shapiro 2-20 Brown Luna Sibley 2-21 Cain Madla Sims 2-22 Ellis Moncrief Truan 2-23 Gallegos Montford Turner 2-24 Galloway Nelson West 2-25 Harris Nixon Whitmire 3-1 Haywood Patterson Zaffirini 3-2 Bullock, President of the Senate 3-3 ______________________________________ 3-4 President of the Senate 3-5 I hereby certify that the above 3-6 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 3-7 on April 24, 1995. 3-8 ______________________________________ 3-9 Secretary of the Senate 3-10 ______________________________________ 3-11 Member, Texas Senate