By Dutton                                              H.R. No. 519
         76R10161 BE-D                           
                                 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.