By Smith                                               H.R. No. 379
         Line and page numbers may not match official copy.
         Bill not drafted by TLC or Senate E&E.
                                 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,
 2-1     including attracting Six Flags Over Texas to Arlington and bringing
 2-2     what is now the Texas Rangers baseball team to the city; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, During the early 1980s, this devoted husband and
 2-4     father served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives,
 2-5     during which he employed the Most Honorable State Representative
 2-6     Todd Smith as a valued and indispensable member of his
 2-7     congressional staff; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, He is currently in his third term as Tarrant County
 2-9     Judge; and
2-10           WHEREAS, After half a century of companionship, Mr. and
2-11     Mrs. Vandergriff still cherish their time together and remain best
2-12     friends; their remarkable marriage has produced a fine family and
2-13     many joyous memories, and it is fitting that they be honored at
2-14     this time; now, therefore, be it
2-15           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-16     Legislature hereby congratulate Tom and Anna Waynette Vandergriff
2-17     on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary and extend to
2-18     them sincere best wishes for success and happiness in the years to
2-19     come; and, be it further
2-20           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-21     prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Vandergriff as an expression of high
2-22     regard by the Texas House of Representatives.