78R19513 JNC-D

By:  Harper-Brown                                                 H.R. No. 1934



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, When Ray Overton accepted his first teaching and 
coaching position in 1948, he gained more than a job, having found 
his life's calling; and
	WHEREAS, Today, at 79 years of age, this remarkable man is 
still at it, teaching and inspiring kids and serving as a positive 
role model to students and peers alike in his job as a science 
teacher at MacArthur High School in Irving; and
	WHEREAS,  A graduate of Texas A&M University, he served with 
distinction in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and had 
intended to return to the family farm to make his career after 
college, but fate intervened in the form of a posting for a football 
coach at a school in nearby Paint Creek; and
	WHEREAS, After 15 years in Paint Creek, "Coach O" accepted a 
job at  Abilene  Cooper before moving to MacArthur in the early 
1980s; he is widely respected for his ability to motivate and engage 
students in the learning process and instill in them a love for 
education that continues long after they leave his classroom; and
	WHEREAS, Several generations of Lone Star students are better 
educated and better prepared for their future because of Ray 
Overton, and it is a great pleasure to honor this esteemed 
gentleman, for whom teaching and helping teens remains the greatest 
reward; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby commend Ray Overton for his exceptional career 
as an educator and extend to him best wishes for continued success 
and fulfillment in his vital work; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Overton as an expression of highest regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.