By Tillery H.R. No. 326 76R7977 JBR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, After dedicating almost three decades to serving the 1-2 people of Mesquite as director of community development, Billy J. 1-3 Thompson is retiring, and he is indeed deserving of special 1-4 recognition; and 1-5 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Thompson was born June 28, 1939, 1-6 in Luling and graduated as valedictorian of Luling High School in 1-7 1957; he garnered a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering 1-8 from Texas A&M University and was recognized as a distinguished 1-9 military graduate in the ROTC program; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson began his professional career as the 1-11 assistant city engineer in Arlington; he worked as director of 1-12 public works and community development for the City of Mesquite 1-13 from 1969 to 1984 and as an engineering consultant for Lichliter & 1-14 Jameson & Associates before returning to the city in 1986 as 1-15 director of community development; and 1-16 WHEREAS, For 27 years he guided development in Mesquite, 1-17 ensuring the highest quality of life for its citizens and 1-18 formulating the processes necessary to accommodate continued 1-19 quality development; and 1-20 WHEREAS, In addition to his work for the city, Mr. Thompson 1-21 serves his community as a member of various civic organizations; he 1-22 is a board member and committee chairman of the Mesquite Chamber of 1-23 Commerce, founding member and secretary-treasurer of the Mesquite 1-24 Economic Development Foundation, and member of the Mesquite 2-1 Independent School District EX2 Program, the Mesquite Rotary Club, 2-2 the Texas Public Works Association, and the Texas Society for 2-3 Professional Engineers; and 2-4 WHEREAS, Throughout his years of service, Mr. Thompson has 2-5 been supported by his loving wife of 39 years, Nancy Thompson, and 2-6 their three sons; in retirement, he will undoubtedly have more time 2-7 to spend with his eight grandchildren; and 2-8 WHEREAS, A man of great faith, Mr. Thompson is a member of 2-9 Meadowview Church of Christ, where he is an elder and an Adult 2-10 Bible Class teacher; and 2-11 WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson's exceptional career has earned him the 2-12 respect and admiration of his friends, family, colleagues, and 2-13 community, and it is truly a pleasure to honor him for his many 2-14 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Mesquite; now, 2-15 therefore, be it 2-16 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-17 Legislature hereby commend Billy J. Thompson for his achievements 2-18 and extraordinary service to the City of Mesquite and extend to him 2-19 sincere best wishes for the years to come; and, be it further 2-20 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-21 prepared for Mr. Thompson as an expression of high regard by the 2-22 Texas House of Representatives.