SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 563


In Memory

of

Bobby Joe Hill


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the 
citizens of El Paso and Texans across the state in mourning the 
loss of Bobby Joe Hill, who died December 8, 2002, at the age of 
59; and

	WHEREAS, Bobby Joe Hill was the point guard for the
Texas Western College basketball team that defeated the
University of Kentucky team 72-65 to win the National Collegiate 
Athletic Association Championship on March 19, 1966; the game 
made history because it marked the first occasion when five black 
starters captured a championship title against five white 
players; the victory was especially significant because it 
occurred during the volatile era of struggles for civil rights; 
and

	WHEREAS, The landmark game marked a major turning point in 
Bobby Joe Hill's life, and he became universally respected for 
his athleticism, and, more importantly, beloved for his generous 
and humble spirit and for his kindness and warmth toward everyone 
he encountered; and

	WHEREAS, On the basketball court, however, Bobby Joe Hill's 
ready smile and ever cheerful nature gave way to the character of 
a tenacious and disciplined athlete who had no equal in playing 
defense; and

	WHEREAS, Bobby Joe later put his athletic prowess to use 
playing on one of the best city leagues in El Paso for Union 
Furniture, and he took great delight in participating in some of 
the greatest Sunday pick-up games ever to take place in the city 
at the Bowie High School gymnasium during the 1970s; and

	WHEREAS, Everywhere this revered man went and regardless 
of the circumstances in which he found himself, he always exuded 
an air of deep human decency, and he had the rare ability to 
relate to people of all ages and to make friends out of complete 
strangers; and

	WHEREAS, Bobby Joe's gifts and talents as a basketball 
player were only part of this extraordinary man's legacy; he was 
a highly devoted family man who was a proud father and who enjoyed 
a happy marriage to Tina Hill for 37 years; and

	WHEREAS, A man of integrity, strength, and generosity, 
Bobby Joe gave unselfishly of his time to others, and his wisdom, 
warmth, and sense of humor will not be forgotten by those who knew 
him; and
	WHEREAS, Bobby Joe Hill lived his life to the fullest, and 
he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his 
family and many friends; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 
bereaved family of Bobby Joe Hill; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy 
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 
day, it do so in memory of Bobby Joe Hill.
                                                                       Shapleigh




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 7, 2003, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate