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H.R. No. 1158
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, With the passing of Wilbert Andrew "Big Daddy"
Griffin of Texarkana, Arkansas, on March 18, 2005, at the age of 73,
the world has lost a distinctive and influential voice, and we join
his family and many friends in mourning their loss; and
WHEREAS, Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Mr. Griffin first
moved to Texarkana in 1971 and distinguished himself as a
larger-than-life presence in the fields of broadcasting and
entertainment; and
WHEREAS, His commanding presence and authoritative command
of musical history secured his stature as one of the area's
preeminent disc jockeys, and many of his colleagues claim him as a
definitive influence; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Griffin lived a life rich with experience, and
in addition to his career as a disc jockey he served in the U.S. Army
for 18 years and worked at a number of occupations, including police
officer, cosmetologist, car salesman, radio station manager,
television host, and bodyguard to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, As well as loving the blues, he was deeply committed
to the betterment of his community, and he gave generously of his
time and talents to worthy causes, including Head Start and the Boy
Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, Although his booming voice has been stilled, Big
Daddy Griffin's joyous spirit shines on in the hearts of all those
whose lives he touched and in the music he loved and championed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Wilbert Andrew "Big
Daddy" Griffin and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his
family: to his wife, Darlene Griffin; to his children, Kathy
Martin, Gwendolyn Jones, Rosia Griffin, Mark Griffin, Mallory
Hunter, W. A. "Wag" Griffin, Will Reeves, and Terral Griffin; to his
stepchildren, Charlie Powell, Montieth Powell, and Tanesha Powell;
to his sister, Edith Pitts; and to his other relatives and many
friends and admirers; 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Wilbert
Andrew "Big Daddy" Griffin.
Frost
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1158 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 29, 2005.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House