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.