R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, On March 19, 1999, Tom and Anna Waynette 1-2 Vandergriff will celebrate the joyous occasion of their golden 1-3 wedding anniversary, and today we recognize this impressive 1-4 milestone in the lives of these two exceptional people; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Tom Vandergriff and the former Anna Waynette Smith 1-6 were joined in matrimony on March 19, 1949, at the First United 1-7 Methodist Church in Arlington; the couple met as schoolmates and 1-8 fell in love during high school, keeping in touch throughout their 1-9 college years; their union has been blessed with four children, 1-10 Vanessa Watters, Victor Vandergriff, Valerie Kelton, and Viveca 1-11 Wade, and five grandchildren; and 1-12 WHEREAS, Mrs. Vandergriff attended North Texas Agricultural 1-13 College and Texas Christian University; after marrying, this 1-14 energetic woman devoted herself to raising the couple's four 1-15 children and becoming active in civic affairs; she has given her 1-16 time to groups such as the Women's Club, the Athenians, and the 1-17 PTA; and 1-18 WHEREAS, A graduate of the University of Southern California, 1-19 Mr. Vandergriff served as mayor of Arlington for 26 years, from 1-20 1951 to 1977, and played a vital role in the development of the 1-21 growing city; his efforts brought about a great deal of progress, 1-22 including attracting Six Flags Over Texas to Arlington and bringing 1-23 what is now the Texas Rangers baseball team to the city; and 1-24 WHEREAS, During the early 1980s, this devoted husband and 2-1 father served as a member of the United States House of 2-2 Representatives, during which time he employed the Most Honorable 2-3 State Representative Todd Smith as a valued and indispensable 2-4 member of his congressional staff; and 2-5 WHEREAS, He is currently in his third term as Tarrant County 2-6 judge; and 2-7 WHEREAS, After half a century of companionship, Mr. and 2-8 Mrs. Vandergriff still cherish their time together and remain best 2-9 friends; their remarkable marriage has produced a fine family and 2-10 many joyous memories, and it is fitting that they be honored at 2-11 this time; now, therefore, be it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-13 Legislature hereby congratulate Tom and Anna Waynette Vandergriff 2-14 on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to 2-15 them sincere best wishes for success and happiness in the years to 2-16 come; and, be it further 2-17 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-18 prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Vandergriff as an expression of high 2-19 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Smith _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 379 was adopted by the House on March 9, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House