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H.R. No. 253
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Legendary Dallas-Fort Worth radio announcer Ron
Chapman bid goodbye to the airwaves on June 24, 2005, ending a
45-year career as one of the city's most influential and admired
broadcasters, and this memorable milestone provides a fitting
opportunity to reflect on Mr. Chapman's many contributions to his
fellow Texans; and
WHEREAS, A mainstay of North Texas radio for more than four
decades, Mr. Chapman first made his name on KLIF 1190 in the heyday
of AM radio during the 1950s and 1960s, and he quickly attracted a
loyal following when he joined with Jack Woods to form the first
"Charlie and Harrigan" team; in the mid-60s, he moved to WFAA-TV,
where he hosted the popular Sump'N Else! dance show; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chapman secured his stature as a prominent radio
personality during a three-decade-long tenure at KVIL-FM that began
in 1968 when he was hired as program director and morning show host;
at the turn of the century, he turned his talents to a new job at
KLUV-FM, where he continued to delight his fans with his
distinctive style; and
WHEREAS, His upbeat approach to the issues of the day won him
a large and appreciative audience, and his popularity arose in part
from his capacity for seamlessly blending callers into his program,
and his skill at showcasing listeners' comments and witticisms
bespoke both a generous spirit and a keen sense of showmanship;
fielding some 200 calls every morning, he demonstrated impeccable
timing, a razor-sharp wit, and a determination to find and share the
good news and uplifting stories that each day brought; his great
sensitivity proved especially important during his most memorable
on-air moment when he saved a woman from taking her life; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Chapman's optimism earned him the attention of
generations of North Texans, resulting in a long-term relationship
of mutual affection and respect unusual for the fast-moving radio
industry; and
WHEREAS, In a business in which the popularity of
broadcasters waxes and wanes with each succeeding season, Ron
Chapman has built a career that has outlasted passing fads and has
encompassed nearly half a century; a 2004 inductee in the Texas
Radio Hall of Fame, he was named "Radio Personality of the Year" and
received a prestigious Marconi Radio Award from the National
Association of Broadcasters in 1989, the first year the awards were
given; and
WHEREAS, A focused and dedicated professional, Mr. Chapman is
a devoted family man as well, and the love and understanding of his
wife, Nance, have been a continual source of support and strength
over the course of his career; and
WHEREAS, Although his many friends and colleagues, as well as
his innumerable listeners, are saddened by his decision to move on,
they also wish Mr. Chapman well as he opens a new and exciting
chapter in his life, and we join them in expressing appreciation for
his fine work through the years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby commend Ron Chapman for his
outstanding career in radio broadcasting and honor him on the
occasion of his retirement; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Chapman as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Goolsby
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 253 was adopted by the House on July
11, 2005, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House