79R4513 MW-D

By:  Bohac                                                        H.R. No. 245



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The family and friends of Ralph Edward Smith, Sr., 
of Houston were deeply saddened by his passing on November 3, 2004, 
at the age of 80; and
	WHEREAS, Born on September 10, 1924, in Indianapolis, 
Indiana, Mr. Smith served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force 
during World War II; he was educated at the University of Akron in 
Ohio and the University of Houston and was a mechanical engineer who 
retired from TRW Mission Manufacturing; and
	WHEREAS, A congregant at St. Stephen's United Methodist 
Church, Mr. Smith made significant contributions to his community 
as a dedicated member of Oak Forest Masonic Lodge No. 1398, as a 
respected Scout leader, and as president of the Civilian Council at 
the DRT storefront for seven years; Mr. Smith also organized and led 
the Coordinators Leadership Program in Police District 3B-30; and
	WHEREAS, In 2004, the Near North Storefront Advisory Council 
posthumously honored Mr. Smith by naming him "President Emeritus" 
and presenting his family with a plaque of appreciation for his 
years of community service; and
	WHEREAS, This distinguished Houstonian was a devoted family 
man and dedicated civic leader who positively influenced the lives 
of his fellow Texans, and his inspirational legacy will not soon be 
forgotten; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Ralph Edward Smith, 
Sr., and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family:  to 
his wife, Lura; to his sons, Ralph Smith, Jr., and his wife, 
Barbara, and Thomas Dare Smith and his wife, Margaret; to his 
daughter, Terry L. Smith; to his granddaughters, Jessica and 
Stephanie Smith; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ralph 
Edward Smith, Sr.