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.