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78R16785 JNC-D

By:  Riddle                                                       H.R. No. 1262



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Dalton Eugene Billings was a man of rare dedication 
and integrity, and his passing on January 4, 2003, brought sadness 
to the many people who respected and admired him; and
	WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Dalton was born on September 27, 
1917, in Buda; after graduating from Sam Houston High School in 
Houston, he attended watchmaking school; and
	WHEREAS, In 1938, this esteemed gentleman opened his own 
watch repair and jewelry store in downtown Houston and dedicated 
himself to building a successful business; incorporated in 1962, 
Billings Jewelers has expanded to three locations and, with the 
help of Mr. Billings's three sons, continues to serve the Houston 
community today; and
	WHEREAS, Despite his demanding professional life, Mr. 
Billings always made time in his busy schedule to help his 
community, serving as president of the West End Optimist Club and 
board member of the Harris County Youth Scholarship Foundation; he 
was a beloved figure in his town where, in addition to his many 
other responsibilities, he was a master at the Woodland Masonic 
Lodge, vice president of the Texas Jewelers Association, and a 
member of St. Peter Lutheran Church; and
	WHEREAS, In all aspects of his life, Dalton Billings set an 
inspiring example of leadership and commitment to others; in one 
telling moment of his life during the early 1960s, Mr. Billings 
sought to treat a longtime employee, Delores Wilkerson, to lunch to 
reward her for a recent success; when he was told she would be 
denied admittance to her restaurant of choice based on the color of 
her skin, he accompanied her to the restaurant, where they dined 
together, an action which prompted a changed policy at that 
cafeteria from that day forward; and
	WHEREAS, Though he will be deeply missed by all who were 
privileged to know him, his memory will long endure through the 
lasting legacy of love and achievement that he leaves behind; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the life of Dalton Eugene Billings and 
extend deepest sympathy to his family: to his three sons, Donald, 
David, and Dennis; to his four grandchildren and six 
great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many friends; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dalton 
Billings.