79R7973 BJM-D

By:  Jones of Dallas                                              H.R. No. 728



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Willie Russell of Kerens commemorated a memorable 
milestone on February 6, 2005, when he turned 100 years old; and
	WHEREAS, From the invention of the jet engine to the creation 
of the Internet, Mr. Russell has witnessed many remarkable changes 
and marvels since his birth in 1905 in Pelican, Louisiana; and
	WHEREAS, Willie Russell moved with his family as a young 
child to Texas and received his early education in a two-room house 
on the north side of Kerens before the family relocated to Goodlow; 
and
	WHEREAS, This admirable gentleman left school early to help 
support his family, and over the course of his career, he worked on 
farms, in road construction, and in lawn care, showing up to work 
each day sporting a tie and the friendly demeanor that has won him 
many lifelong friends; and
	WHEREAS, A cherished member of his community today, Mr. 
Russell enjoys the distinction of being the oldest member of Mount B 
Zion Baptist Church in Goodlow, having attended services there for 
84 years and serving his fellow congregants as a deacon for nearly 
seven decades; and
	WHEREAS, Willie Russell remains a source of inspiration to 
all who are privileged to know him, and it is indeed a pleasure to 
join in honoring this very special Texan; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Willie Russell on the joyous 
occasion of his 100th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes 
for continued happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Russell as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.