By Gray                                                H.R. No. 910

         75R14547 SAJ-D                           

                                 R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, For many years, the Galveston community has

 1-2     benefited from the leadership of Joe C. Blackshear, and his receipt

 1-3     of the 1997 People of Vision Award from the Texas Society to

 1-4     Prevent Blindness provides a most fitting opportunity to honor him

 1-5     for his outstanding service; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, A native of Galveston, Mr. Blackshear was graduated

 1-7     from Texas A&M University in 1948, and he enjoyed a successful

 1-8     career as owner of 10 insurance agencies in the Gulf Coast area

 1-9     before his retirement; and

1-10           WHEREAS, He further contributed to his chosen field in

1-11     leadership capacities with the Independent Insurance Agents of

1-12     Texas, the Galveston Insurance Board, and the committee that helped

1-13     to establish an insurance pool in Texas to cover catastrophic

1-14     storms; and

1-15           WHEREAS, He is also highly regarded for his tenure in public

1-16     office, having represented the concerns of his fellow citizens as a

1-17     member of both the Galveston City Council and the Planning

1-18     Commission; and

1-19           WHEREAS, A founding director of the Galveston Savings and

1-20     Loan Association, Mr. Blackshear has continued to work for the

1-21     betterment of the community through his involvement with the Junior

1-22     Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, and

1-23     the Sealy & Smith Foundation; and

1-24           WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, he has been sustained by his

 2-1     abiding faith as a devout member of Trinity Episcopal Church, and

 2-2     he has served as the church's senior warden, as president of the

 2-3     Trinity Episcopal School, and as chairman of the Expansion and

 2-4     Excellence Fund; and

 2-5           WHEREAS, Joe Blackshear has enhanced the quality of life in

 2-6     the Galveston area in numerous ways, and his exceptional commitment

 2-7     is a source of inspiration to all who are privileged to know him;

 2-8     now, therefore, be it

 2-9           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

2-10     Legislature hereby honor Joe C. Blackshear for his exemplary

2-11     professional and civic involvement and extend to him heartfelt

2-12     congratulations on his receipt of the 1997 People of Vision Award;

2-13     and, be it further

2-14           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be

2-15     prepared for Mr. Blackshear as an expression of high regard by the

2-16     Texas House of Representatives.