R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, An 80th birthday is truly a cause for celebration, 1-2 and on February 28, 1999, Ray White of Palestine will observe one 1-3 such significant milestone in his life; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in the Tennessee Colony community near 1-5 Palestine on February 28, 1919, Mr. White grew up farming and 1-6 ranching in the West Texas town of Snyder and returned at the age 1-7 of 19 to Anderson County, settling in Palestine; and 1-8 WHEREAS, He joined the United States Army in 1940 and 1-9 attained the rank of staff sergeant, serving with distinction as a 1-10 platoon guide and as a member of the specially trained 2nd Ranger 1-11 Battalion; Mr. White's meritorious service during World War II 1-12 earned him the Silver Star, Bronze Star with cluster, Purple Heart 1-13 with two clusters, Combat Infantryman's Badge, EAME Campaign Medal 1-14 with five campaign stars, Croix de Guerre Avec Etoile de Bronze 1-15 Star, and a Presidential Unit Citation; and 1-16 WHEREAS, For 37 years he enjoyed a distinguished career with 1-17 the Palestine police force before retiring in 1984 as a master 1-18 patrolman; he continued his association with the department through 1-19 his participation in the police reserve and also worked as a 1-20 security guard at Palestine Middle School before fully retiring in 1-21 1993; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Well known locally as one of the most enthusiastic 1-23 supporters of the Palestine High Wildcat football team, Mr. White 1-24 has missed only two games, including varsity and junior varsity, in 2-1 a period spanning more than five decades and, in recognition of his 2-2 enduring loyalty, a marker has been placed near the stadium's 2-3 flagpole in his honor; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Mr. White is married to the former Beth Lively and 2-5 takes great pride in the close and loving relationship that he has 2-6 with his daughter, Betty, and his three grandsons; the couple 2-7 currently make their home in Palestine and enjoy traveling; and 2-8 WHEREAS, For 80 years, Ray White has enjoyed a full life 2-9 devoted to his family, his community, and his country, and it is 2-10 indeed fitting that he be honored at this time; now, therefore, be 2-11 it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-13 Legislature hereby congratulate Ray White on the occasion of his 2-14 80th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued 2-15 happiness; and, be it further 2-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-17 prepared for Mr. White as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-18 House of Representatives. Staples _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 296 was adopted by the House on February 25, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House