R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, William L. Russo has been presented with an 1-2 Outstanding Texan Award by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, and 1-3 this honor indeed merits special legislative recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Born in Houston, Mr. Russo earned a bachelor's 1-5 degree from Texas Southern University and graduated as 1-6 valedictorian of his class at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral 1-7 Services; and 1-8 WHEREAS, The compassion and dedication that Mr. Russo 1-9 possesses have served him well throughout the years, and his 1-10 commitment to his community is renowned; he currently serves as 1-11 president of Sacred Hope Funeral Home and has led many of the 1-12 professional organizations to which he belongs, including the 1-13 Houston Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, the National 1-14 Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, and the Independent 1-15 Funeral Directors Association of Texas; and 1-16 WHEREAS, This esteemed gentlemen is a respected member of a 1-17 number of civic and social groups, including Phi Beta Sigma 1-18 fraternity, the Elks, the 100 Club of Houston, and the Fifth Ward 1-19 West Redevelopment Association; Mr. Russo also serves as a board 1-20 member with the York Children's Foundation and the local chapter of 1-21 the American Red Cross, and he has been commissioned as an admiral 1-22 in the Texas Navy; and 1-23 WHEREAS, His many years of distinguished service to the 1-24 community have bettered the lives of countless Texans, and it is 2-1 most fitting to join in recognizing his efforts at this time; now, 2-2 therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby honor William L. Russo on being named an 2-5 Outstanding Texan by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and extend 2-6 to him best wishes for continued success and happiness; and, be it 2-7 further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for Mr. Russo as an expression of high regard by the Texas 2-10 House of Representatives. Dutton _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 519 was adopted by the House on April 23, 1999, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House