79R14985 BJM-D

By:  Homer                                                      H.C.R. No. 176



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, A full and generous life came to a close with the 
death of noted religious and civic leader Dr. Raymond Armstrong of 
Paris on October 29, 2003, at the age of 80; and
	WHEREAS, Dr. Armstrong arrived in Paris in 1972 with his 
beloved wife, Glenelle, to assume the responsibilities of minister 
of First Christian Church; under his able leadership, the 
congregation grew, as did its involvement in community endeavors; 
Dr. Armstrong implemented a capital campaign that resulted in new 
and expanded facilities; even after his retirement, this esteemed 
Texan remained dedicated to the membership, and was serving in his 
15th year as weekend pastor at the time of his death; and
	WHEREAS, In addition to his commitment to his church, Dr. 
Armstrong was highly involved in a host of civic organizations; a 
former president of the Paris Ministerial Alliance, Paris Rotary 
Club, and Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, he served as a 
commissioner of the Paris Housing Authority, as well as a board 
member for the Paris Independent School District, Salvation Army, 
Lamar County Human Resource Council, and Lamar County American 
Heart Association, to name but a few; and
	WHEREAS, After 14 years at First Christian Church, Dr. 
Armstrong served as director of pastoral care and development for 
McCuistion Regional Medical Center, where he conducted three 
capital campaigns and helped establish the McCuistion Endowment; a 
former chair of the Pastoral Care Committee at St. Joseph's 
Hospital, he initiated a volunteer chaplain program at Paris Junior 
College that was adopted by hospitals throughout the region; in 
2002, he retired from foundation duties at Christus St. Joseph's 
Health System, where he had been instrumental in the creation of the 
Paris Regional Health Care Endowment; and
	WHEREAS, The Christus St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation named 
a community service award in Dr. Armstrong's honor, and in 2002 he 
and his wife were recognized as "I Love Paris" honorees by the Paris 
Education Foundation; the following year, he was invited to lead 
the opening prayer of the 78th Legislative Session of the Texas 
Senate, a true testament to his status as a respected spiritual 
leader; and
	WHEREAS, Although he is deeply missed, the legacy of 
religious leadership and civic contributions of Raymond Armstrong 
will long resonate in the lives of the people of Paris and Lamar 
County; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Raymond Armstrong and extend 
sincere sympathy to the members of his family; 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 House 
of Representatives and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory 
of Dr. Raymond Armstrong.