78R4055 WMS-D

By:  Talton                                                     H.C.R. No. 40 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The passing of Deotis Gay, Sr., of La Porte on 
February 21, 2002, at the age of 70, brought a great loss to the 
friends, family, and many admirers of this esteemed public servant; 
and
	WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Gay was born December 19, 1931, 
in Kilgore and graduated from George Washington Carver High School 
in Baytown; on completing his education, he pursued a successful 
35-year career as an operator at the Rohm & Haas plant in Deer Park 
until his retirement; and
	WHEREAS, He embraced a new set of challenges when he was 
elected as the first African American member of the La Porte City 
Council in 1981, and for two decades he focused his time and energy 
on bettering the community in behalf of his fellow citizens; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his myriad contributions as a 
councilman, Mr. Gay also worked to benefit his community as a board 
member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and through his participation in 
such worthy organizations as the La Porte Community Civic Club, the 
Texas Black Caucus, the Texas Municipal League, the National League 
of Cities, and Masonic lodge No. 516; and
	WHEREAS, Deotis Gay, Sr., was a dedicated public servant and 
an admired civic leader; those who were privileged to know him will 
long miss his presence, but his remarkable spirit lives on in the 
legacy of good works he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby pay tribute to the life of Deotis Gay, Sr., and extend 
sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Mary 
Gay; to his children, Deotis  Gay, Jr., Anthony Gay, and Cheryl Gay; 
to his seven grandchildren; and to the other relatives and many 
friends of this beloved gentleman; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory 
of Deotis Gay, Sr.