H.R. No. 1797



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, An 80th birthday of an esteemed Texan is truly cause 
for celebration, and on May 11, 2005, John Phillips Gayle, Jr., of 
West Columbia marked this significant milestone in his long and 
productive life; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Gayle is closely tied to the beginnings of this 
great state as he is a direct descendant of Emily Austin Bryan, the 
daughter of Moses Austin and sister of Stephen F. Austin; born in 
Brazoria County to John Phillips Gayle, Sr., and Lavinia Brock 
Gayle, he has lived in the place "where Texas began" all his life; 
and
	WHEREAS, He married the love of his life, the late Doris 
Fussell Gayle, on April 25, 1944, and their rewarding marriage was 
richly blessed with three children, Lavinia Gayle Sartwelle, the 
late John Benton Gayle, and Regina Gayle Locke, along with six 
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and his devotion to his 
loving family has always been paramount to him; and
	WHEREAS, A lifelong rancher of Brahman and Brahman crossbred 
cattle, he also farmed rice for several years and worked with the 
Texas Department of Agriculture as a livestock export specialist; 
he was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to serve on the ASCS 
Committee for Texas before serving admirably as a county 
commissioner of Brazoria County for 24 years; he also served as a 
member and president of the South Texas County Judges and 
Commissioners Association Board; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Gayle is keenly interested in the history of his 
community and was extensively involved in the restoration of the 
first capitol of Texas in West Columbia; he played a key role in 
securing a historical marker for the actual location where Stephen 
F. Austin died and worked tirelessly for a monument for servicemen 
from West Columbia who served their country during times of war; and
	WHEREAS, He is a great supporter of the Columbia EMS and 
Columbia Cemetery Association and has been a benefactor to almost 
every civic group in the city, devoting both financial and personal 
support to benefit the people of this area of the Lone Star State; 
and
	WHEREAS, Throughout his life, John Phillips Gayle, Jr., has 
made a positive impact on his community; he is an inspiration to 
those who have known him, and it is a distinct pleasure to join his 
loving family and many friends as they gather to honor this devoted 
Texan in West Columbia on May 21, 2005; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby warmly congratulate John Phillips Gayle, Jr., on 
the momentous occasion of his 80th birthday and extend to him 
heartfelt best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Gayle as an expression of high regard by the Texas 
House of Representatives.

                                                                          Bonnen

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1797 was adopted by the House on May 
17, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House