By Keel H.R. No. 1349 75R17514 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The passing of Arleigh E. Duff on July 4, 1996, at 1-2 the age of 72, brought a great loss to the many friends, relatives, 1-3 and fans of this esteemed musical personality; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born March 28, 1924, in Nederland, Texas, to 1-5 Adolphus and Luezelle Duff, he earned his degree from Stephen F. 1-6 Austin State University and was a teacher and basketball coach in 1-7 the communities of Deweyville and Warren; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Mr. Duff was a patriotic Texan who served his nation 1-9 with distinction during the dark and uncertain days of World War II 1-10 as a member of the U.S. Navy; and 1-11 WHEREAS, A talented musician and songwriter, he penned and 1-12 recorded "Y'all Come" in 1952, and the song quickly became a 1-13 standard in the repertoires of such respected artists as Bing 1-14 Crosby, Pattie Page, Glen Campbell, George Jones, Bobby Vinton, and 1-15 Faron Young; in all, more than 50 artists recorded versions of the 1-16 song, and in 1957 "Y'all Come" was singled out as the most recorded 1-17 country song in the nation; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Two other songs written by Mr. Duff also appeared on 1-19 the Billboard charts; Sonny James's performance of "It's the Little 1-20 Things" soared to No. 1 in 1968, and "Another Story, Another Time, 1-21 Another Place" was a hit for Ernest Tubb; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Mr. Duff's fame was further broadened when he toured 1-23 with the Grand Ole Opry, and during that time he delighted 1-24 audiences in 48 states and throughout Canada with his unique and 2-1 memorable singing performances; in addition, he was a regular 2-2 member of Red Foley's Ozark Jubilee; and 2-3 WHEREAS, Mr. Duff was also associated with country music as a 2-4 popular disc jockey over the course of 25 years, and in 1983 he 2-5 published his appropriately titled memoir, Y'all Come; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Relocating to Woodbury, Connecticut, in 1985, he 2-7 returned to coaching as the basketball coach of Woodbury Middle 2-8 School and was highly successful during his eight years in that 2-9 capacity; and 2-10 WHEREAS, Arleigh E. Duff was a man of rare talent and 2-11 generosity; although his warmth and wisdom are gone from us now, 2-12 his remarkable spirit will surely live on in the hearts of the many 2-13 people whose lives he touched during his time on this earth; now, 2-14 therefore, be it 2-15 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-16 Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Arleigh E. Duff and 2-17 extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, 2-18 Nancy Duff; to his children and their spouses, Kelly and Sheila 2-19 Duff, Becky and Steve Rippy, Danny and Diane Duff, Kristy and 2-20 Andrew Wallace, Joey and Stacie Duff, Arleigh Duff II, Brandy Duff, 2-21 and Rachel Duff; to his sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Jack 2-22 Faris; to his eight grandchildren; to his two nephews; and to the 2-23 many other friends and relatives of this beloved gentleman; and, be 2-24 it further 2-25 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-26 prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas 2-27 House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of 3-1 Arleigh E. Duff.