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