78S10836 WMS-D

By:  Gallego                                                      H.R. No. 161



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The untimely passing of Jerry Lynn Ratcliff on May 
5, 2003, at the age of 52, has brought a great loss to the family and 
friends of this esteemed Alpine public servant; and
	WHEREAS, A descendant of President John Adams, he was born in 
Elk City, Oklahoma and raised in El Paso and later relocated to 
Alpine, where for 22 of his 30 years as a resident of that city he 
held the position of Brewster County tax assessor/collector; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to ably performing the duties of his 
office, Mr. Ratcliff was also a champion of employee rights and 
worked hard in support of better wages and health care benefits for 
his coworkers; a man who always made himself available to lend a 
helping hand to someone in need, he devoted considerable time and 
energy to caring for sick and elderly members of the community; and
	WHEREAS, Those who were fortunate to share the friendship of 
this compassionate and committed gentleman will long miss his 
presence, and his remarkable spirit will live on in the hearts of 
the many people whose lives he touched during his time on this 
earth; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of 
Jerry Lynn Ratcliff and extend sincere sympathy to the members of 
his family: to his wife, Vivian Ratcliff; to his brother, James Earl 
Ratcliff, and his wife, Denise; to his brother-in-law, Van Neie, 
Jr.; to his stepsister, Bevra Williams; to his sisters-in-law, 
Susan Scown, Pam Johnston, and Vicky Conwell; to his nieces and 
nephews, Alan Raine Ratcliff, Seth Scown, Justin Scown, Shay and 
Cameron Conwell, Geno Springfield, Audrey, Melanie, and Brian Neie, 
Lacy and Roy Watkins, Billy and Bobby Williams, and Josh 
Whitehurst; and to his many friends throughout the community; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House 
of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jerry 
Lynn Ratcliff.