SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 365


In Memory

of

Clifford Neal Knox


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors 
and commemorates the life of Clifford Neal Knox, a former 
vice president of the National Rifle Association, who died 
January 17, 2005, at the age of 69; and

	WHEREAS, Clifford Neal Knox was born on June 20, 1935, 
in Rush Springs, Oklahoma; he spent most of his early years in
Texas and attended Abilene Christian College; and

	WHEREAS, He served eight years in the Texas National Guard
and worked in the insurance business and the oil business in the 
early days of his career; he was a reporter for the Vernon Daily 
Record and the Wichita Falls Times and Record News and was a 
freelance writer for several gun magazines; and

	WHEREAS, In 1966, Neal realized his dream of becoming a 
full-time writer about guns when he became the founding editor 
of Gun Week newspaper; he took over as editor of Handloader 
magazine a few years later and oversaw the creation of Rifle
magazine; and

	WHEREAS, In 1978, he moved to Washington, D.C., to wholly
commit himself to the cause of gun rights; he served for four 
years as executive director of the Institute for Legislative 
Action, the lobbying arm of the National Rifle Association; and

	WHEREAS, In 1984, he became chairman of the Firearms 
Coalition and dedicated himself to writing, speaking, and 
lobbying for the development and support of grassroots gun 
rights organizations; throughout his life, he competed in, 
and often won, competitions in virtually every shooting 
discipline; he was also an accomplished pilot and held 
instrument and multiengine ratings; and

	WHEREAS, He handled the adversity in his life the way 
he lived, with unwavering courage and discipline; a man of 
integrity, strength, and generosity, he was an inspiration to
others, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him; and

	WHEREAS, Neal Knox lived his life to the fullest and was a
devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind 
memories that will be treasured forever by his family and many 
friends; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the 
bereaved family of Clifford Neal Knox:  his wife, Jay Janen Knox;


his children, Christopher, Shan, Jeffrey, and Stacey; and his 
seven grandchildren; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of his family as an expression of deepest sympathy 
from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this 
day, it do so in memory of Neal Knox.
                                                                           Estes




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 14, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate