SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 591
In Memory
of
George Eastland Christian, Jr.
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost one of its towering
figures with the passing of George Eastland Christian, Jr.,
of Austin, on November 27, 2002, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, A former presidential press secretary and
confidant and for over four decades a trusted advisor to
state political leaders, Mr. Christian was born in Austin on
January 1, 1927; after graduating from Austin High School in
1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and saw duty in the
Pacific theater and in Japan during the occupation; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge from the military,
Mr. Christian returned to Austin and majored in journalism at
The University of Texas; he subsequently spent seven years
covering Texas state government for the International News
Service; and
WHEREAS, Noted for his ability and astute political
judgment, he served as press secretary for Governors Price Daniel
and John Connally before moving to Washington, D.C., to handle
the same assignment for President Lyndon B. Johnson; holding the
post of presidential press secretary from 1966 to 1969, during a
difficult time in the nation's life, he won the respect of the
White House press corps for his unshakable poise and civility;
and
WHEREAS, At the close of President Johnson's term of
office, Mr. Christian returned to Austin and established a public
relations, consulting, and lobbying firm, which he continued to
operate until his passing; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional work, he gave
untold hours as vice chairman of the Lyndon Baines Johnson
Foundation, member and chairman of the Texas Historical
Commission, member of the Texas State Cemetery Committee, and
member of the boards of the Headliners Foundation, McDonald
Observatory, Texas A&M College of Medicine, and Scott and White
Memorial Hospital; and
WHEREAS, His many accolades included selection as a
Distinguished Alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin and
as an Outstanding Alumnus of The University of Texas College of
Communication; he also received the Texas Award for Historical
Preservation from the Texas Historical Commission and the Harvey
Penick Award from Caritas of Austin; in 1982, a centennial
professorship in journalism was established in his name at
The University of Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, Across the political spectrum, George Christian
was deeply respected for his unfailing graciousness and
kindness, as well as for his seasoned judgment and sage advice;
an unassuming, friendly man with a booming laugh, he could
enter the political fray with gusto and uncommon skill, and
yet never allow rancor to taint the joust; eulogized as a "titan"
on the Texas landscape, he embodied the best virtues of the
politically engaged citizen, and he brought enormous honor
to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, pay special tribute to the life of
George Eastland Christian, Jr., and extend sincere sympathy
to the members of his family: to his wife of 43 years,
Jo Anne Christian; to his children and grandchildren; and
to his other relatives and many friends; 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 Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
George Eastland Christian, Jr.
Ratliff
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 8, 2003, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate