By Merritt H.R. No. 349 75R9241 JTR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Neal McCoy has distinguished himself as a devoted 1-2 family man, a dedicated humanitarian, and one of the bright lights 1-3 of modern country music, and it is indeed fitting to recognize Neal 1-4 for his outstanding achievements; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A Jacksonville, Texas, native, Neal grew up 1-6 listening to the rich variety of music that Texas offers, and his 1-7 love of country and western, rhythm and blues, and pop music has 1-8 brought breadth and depth to his wildly popular albums, which 1-9 routinely sell in the millions; one of contemporary country's most 1-10 versatile singers, his distinctive baritone has graced a noteworthy 1-11 string of hit singles, including "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye," 1-12 "You Gotta Love That," and "No Doubt About It"; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Neal's stature as a top recording artist is further 1-14 augmented by his reputation for giving one of the best live shows 1-15 in country music; an enthusiastic and accomplished entertainer, he 1-16 is well known for his spontaneous and engaging approach to 1-17 performance, and he has made many a new fan solely on the strength 1-18 of his exciting concerts; and 1-19 WHEREAS, This notable Texan's concern for others not so 1-20 fortunate extends far beyond his professional life, and he gives 1-21 freely of his time and energy to numerous worthy causes; most 1-22 notably, he and members of his family formed the East Texas Angel 1-23 Network to raise the necessary funds for the cure of children with 1-24 life-threatening diseases, and this gift of hope and love has made 2-1 an unbelievable difference in the lives of children and their 2-2 families; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Neal's family is the source of his greatest joy; he 2-4 and his wife of 16 years, Melinda, take justifiable pride in their 2-5 beautiful children, Miki and Swayde; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Although Neal is best known to his many fans both 2-7 national and international as a performer of singular gifts, Neal 2-8 is a vital and valued member of the Longview community, and his 2-9 numerous charitable endeavors demonstrate his heart to be as big as 2-10 his musical talent; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby honor Neal and his family for their unselfish 2-13 efforts and achievements, extend to them sincere best wishes for 2-14 continued success and happiness in the future, and proclaim Neal 2-15 McCoy a true star of Texas; and, be it further 2-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-17 prepared for Mr. Neal McCoy as an expression of high regard by the 2-18 Texas House of Representatives.