This website will be unavailable from Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.

                                                                                


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 804


In Memory

of

Lewis Watson


	WHEREAS, The family and friends of esteemed radio 
announcer Lewis "Rick" Watson of Jacksonville are profoundly 
saddened by his untimely passing on May 2, 2003, at the age of 64; 
and

	WHEREAS, Born on September 9, 1938, in Albion, Michigan, 
Mr. Watson was the son of another well-known East Texas radio 
personality, Park Watson; after following his father to East 
Texas, Rick Watson made his debut on the airwaves of Waller 
Broadcasting in 1973; and

	WHEREAS, Mr. Watson served with distinction as news and 
sports director of eight Waller Broadcasting radio stations in 
the Tyler, Longview, and Jacksonville markets, and he was honored 
on many occasions by the Texas Association of Broadcasting for 
news stories; and

	WHEREAS, Throughout his remarkable career in radio, 
Mr. Watson broadcast thousands of sporting events, including 
several Independence Bowl games in Shreveport, Louisiana, junior 
college basketball games, and races at Thunder Mountain 
Speedway; since announcing his first Jacksonville Indians 
football game in 1975, this four-time Texas Sportscaster of the 
Year had been a regular favorite among fans, recently celebrating 
a special milestone in 2002 with his 300th game; and

	WHEREAS, Reflective of his generous nature, Mr. Watson 
also lent his voice to charitable endeavors, most recently for 
the Jacksonville Literacy Council's corporate spelling bee 
fund-raiser; he has made other significant contributions to his 
community through his work as president of the board of directors 
at Helping Others Pursue Enrichment, Incorporated; and

	WHEREAS, Enshrined in the hearts of countless family 
members, friends, and listeners, the memories of Rick Watson will 
continue to enrich the lives of those who were fortunate enough 
to have known this special individual; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of Rick Watson 
and extend deepest sympathies to the members of his family: to 
his wife, Sheila Ann Watson; to his son, Lewis Steven Watson; 
to his daughters, Cyndi Anne Hyde, Lydia Demetria Leighton, and 
Shanyn Elizabeth Watson; to his sisters, Peggy Vickers and 
Janet Hogan; to his 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 
and to his other relatives and many friends and fans; and, be it 
further

	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns 
this day, it do so in memory of Lewis "Rick" Watson.
                                                                         Staples




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 12, 2003, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate