79R9289 JNC-D

By:  West                                                         H.R. No. 702



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The citizens of Odessa lost a valued friend and 
respected civic leader with the death of A. R. "Happy" Dyer on 
February 28, 2005, at the age of 96; and
	WHEREAS, A native Texan, Happy Dyer was born on May 29, 1908, 
in Whitewright, and throughout his full and generous life his 
interest in making a positive difference in the lives of others 
guided him to leave a lasting mark on his adopted home of Odessa; 
and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Dyer enlisted in the U.S. Army as a young man, 
serving his country with distinction during World War II; following 
his military discharge, he returned to Odessa and cofounded 
Abell-McHargue Lumber Company in nearby Midland, where he held the 
position of manager until 1957; and
	WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman went on to enjoy a notable 
tenure with Odessa Savings and Loan that spanned three decades, 
retiring as its chairman in 1987; and
	WHEREAS, Over the years, Mr. Dyer lent his time and talents to 
a host of worthy organizations, including the Permian Basin Oil 
Show, the Odessa College Board, the Medical Center Development 
Corporation, the Odessa Boy's and Girl's Club, the YMCA, the Mental 
Health/Mental Retardation Center, and the Downtown Lions Club; 
furthermore, he was a lifetime member of the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang 
and the Odessa Chamber of Commerce; and
	WHEREAS, The Ector County School Board, the Coliseum Building 
Committee, the Savings and Loan Association, and the Lumberman's 
Association of Texas also benefited from his expertise and 
leadership; and
	WHEREAS, The civic involvement of Mr. Dyer earned him a host 
of accolades, including recognition as the 1978 Man of the Year and 
2000 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Odessa Chamber of 
Commerce; a recipient of the Heritage of Odessa Foundation 
Community Statesman Award for community service, he was also 
awarded an honorary degree in business administration from Texas 
Tech University; and
	WHEREAS, Above all else, Mr. Dyer was devoted to his 
close-knit family, and his life was greatly enriched by the loving 
marriage he shared for 56 years with his wife, Una, who preceded him 
in death; and
	WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Happy Dyer will 
long remember him for the vision, enthusiasm, and integrity he 
brought to each new task he took on; although he will be greatly 
missed, his legacy will live on through the countless contributions 
he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby honor the memory of A. R. "Happy" Dyer and extend 
deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his son, Mike 
Dyer; to his daughter-in-law, Penny Dyer; to his grandchildren, 
Jill and Evan Dyer; and to all those who mourn the passing of this 
fine man; 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 A. R. 
"Happy" Dyer.