SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 733
In Memory
of
Olin Nickleberry
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of Navarro County in mourning the loss of Olin Nickleberry, who
died April 13, 2005, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born August 7, 1929, in Marietta, Texas, to
Birdie and Maurice Nickleberry, Sr., Olin graduated from Rambo
High School, south of Atlanta, Texas; and
WHEREAS, He attended Bishop College, where he was voted
Most Outstanding Athlete and graduated with a degree in education;
he later earned a master's degree in physical education at East
Texas State University in 1972; he served as a paratrooper in
the Army and then began a career in education; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated educator, Olin served as a teacher,
coach, and special needs instructor in Navarro, Ellis, Freestone,
and Limestone Counties and for the Corsicana Independent School
District; he was a special education teacher for Blooming Grove
Independent School District; and
WHEREAS, Selected as one of the Most Prominent Educators
in Texas in 1983, Olin was affiliated with the National Education
Association, and he was elected vice president of the Texas
Association for Adult and Continuing Education; and
WHEREAS, The first African American elected county
commissioner in Navarro County, Olin served three terms
representing Precinct 2; he was a former member of the Navarro
County Peace Officers Association, the Navarro County Committee
on Aging, and the Navarro County Waste Management Task Force; and
WHEREAS, A well-known civic leader, Olin was a member of
the Sunrise Lions Club, the Kerens Chamber of Commerce, and many
other local organizations; he was a familiar figure at countless
sporting events, acting as a referee or umpire throughout the
area; and
WHEREAS, A deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church and chairman
of the deacon staff, Olin gave generously of himself to others,
and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten
by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Olin Nickleberry lived his life to the fullest and
was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves
behind memories that will be cherished 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 Olin Nickleberry: his wife, Edith Iles-Nickleberry;
his daughters, Oretha Nickleberry and Brenda Gardner; his
brothers, Joe, Benny, and Vernon Nickleberry; his sister,
Lois Nickleberry; and his grandchildren, DeShawn Gardner II
and Brendé Gardner; 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 Olin Nickleberry.
Averitt
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 2, 2005, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate