1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 373
 1-3                                  In Memory
 1-4                                     of
 1-5                                Johnny Holmes
 1-6           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
 1-7     of Austin in mourning the loss of Johnny Holmes, who died recently
 1-8     at the age of 83; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, Born in 1917, Johnny Holmes grew up in Bastrop
1-10     and attended Huston College in Austin, where he played a number
1-11     of sports and became a champion pole vaulter; he married
1-12     Basyle Winifred, and in August of 1945, he opened his burger stand,
1-13     a lean-to grill with a patio which he named Victory Grill; and
1-14           WHEREAS, Located on East 11th Street, Victory Grill became an
1-15     East Austin institution due to Johnny Holmes's interest in music
1-16     and dancing; a talented promoter, Johnny consistently provided
1-17     food and entertainment, and his grill became an upscale haven for
1-18     African American performers and celebrity visitors; and
1-19           WHEREAS, Victory Grill attracted all the major Rhythm and
1-20     Blues acts and brought to East Austin such music legends as
1-21     B. B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, and Bobby "Blue" Bland; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, In 1951, Johnny moved to West Texas with his family
 2-2     to promote Chuck Berry and B. B. King and then spent a year in
 2-3     Alaska; he eventually returned to Austin and managed Victory Grill
 2-4     until hard times hit in the 1970s, and the grill closed its doors;
 2-5     and
 2-6           WHEREAS, A gifted entrepreneur, promoter, and entertainer,
 2-7     Johnny Holmes was respected for his many accomplishments and his
 2-8     leadership in the Austin music scene; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, A man of integrity and generosity, Johnny Holmes was
2-10     noted for his graciousness and ready smile, and his warmth, sense
2-11     of humor, and colorful personality will not be forgotten by those
2-12     who knew him; and
2-13           WHEREAS, Johnny Holmes lived his life to the fullest and was
2-14     a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind
2-15     memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many
2-16     friends; now, therefore, be it
2-17           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-18     77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the
2-19     bereaved family of Johnny Holmes:  his daughter, Myrtle Wilson;
2-20     his sons, Johnny Mason Holmes, Jr., and Raymond Holmes; and his
2-21     grandchildren; and, be it further
2-22           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
2-23     members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the
2-24     Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so
 3-1     in memory of Johnny Holmes.
 3-2                                                              Barrientos
 3-3                                  ______________________________________
 3-4                                         President of the Senate
 3-5                                       I hereby certify that the above
 3-6                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
 3-7                                  on February 28, 2001, by a rising vote.
 3-8                                  ______________________________________
 3-9                                         Secretary of the Senate
3-10                                  ______________________________________
3-11                                           Member, Texas Senate