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