R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, For many years, the citizens of Runnels County have

 1-2     benefited from the vision and leadership of Neuman Smith, and he is

 1-3     indeed worthy of special praise and recognition at this time; and

 1-4           WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of that locale, Mr. Smith is

 1-5     well known throughout the area as a farmer and a rancher, and he

 1-6     has been active in every farm-related organization in the county,

 1-7     including the local and state cooperative boards, the Runnels

 1-8     County Agricultural Extension Service, and the Runnels County Farm

 1-9     Bureau, to name but a few; and

1-10           WHEREAS, His outstanding skill and expertise have brought him

1-11     great renown, for he was named Outstanding Farmer of America in

1-12     1971, and he was also chosen to serve his fellow Texans as a member

1-13     of a gubernatorial committee on agriculture in 1977; and

1-14           WHEREAS, This eminent gentleman has further served his

1-15     community through his participation with several civic

1-16     organizations; an avid historian, he has given generously of his

1-17     time and talents to assist local historical associations, and he

1-18     conducted valuable research for the rededication of the century-old

1-19     Runnels County Courthouse; and

1-20           WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Smith has been active with the

1-21     Carnegie Library Restoration Committee, the local chamber of

1-22     commerce, the Lions Club, the Cemetery Association, and the First

1-23     Christian Church; he remains involved in the community today as a

1-24     groundskeeper for the library and his church, and he helps to make

 2-1     the days a bit brighter for others by offering fellowship to

 2-2     nursing home residents; and

 2-3           WHEREAS, His remarkable contributions have earned him

 2-4     well-deserved acclaim, and he has received commendations from the

 2-5     governor, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Texas

 2-6     Federation of Cooperatives; Mr. Smith was also named Rural Citizen

 2-7     of the Year, and he received a citation from the Lions

 2-8     International for his distinguished service; and

 2-9           WHEREAS, Neuman Smith has enhanced the quality of life in

2-10     Runnels County in myriad ways, and his exceptional commitment is a

2-11     source of inspiration to all who are privileged to know him; now,

2-12     therefore, be it

2-13           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-14     Legislature hereby commend Neuman Smith for his exemplary civic

2-15     leadership and extend to him warmest best wishes for continued

2-16     success and happiness in all his future endeavors; and, be it

2-17     further

2-18           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-19     prepared for Mr. Smith as an expression of high regard by the Texas

2-20     House of Representatives.              

                                                                      Keffer

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 497 was adopted by the House on April

         1, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House