SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1013
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Richard F. Williamson
 
         WHEREAS, The citizens of Texas lost a passionate leader and
  dynamic trailblazer with the death of Richard F. "Ric" Williamson
  on December 30, 2007, at the age of 55; and
 
         WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was a brilliant and visionary
  leader whose extraordinary efforts on behalf of this state were
  as grand as Texas itself; a man who cared deeply about the
  well-being of his community and his state, he epitomized the
  "Spirit of Texas" with his bold ideas for the betterment of this
  state and his wholehearted efforts to put them into practice; and
 
         WHEREAS, Born on January 25, 1952, in Abilene, Mr.
  Williamson attended The University of Texas in Austin, where he
  married a fellow Longhorn, Mary Ann Welsch, in 1973 and earned
  his bachelor's degree in 1974; the couple settled in Weatherford
  and raised three beautiful daughters, Melissa, Katherine, and
  Sara, and they had two grandchildren; and
 
         WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was an avid hunter and a devoted
  fan of women's fast-pitch softball; he was a cofounder of RAW
  Energy, and he and his wife established MKS Consulting
  Corporation; and
 
         WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson began his service to the State of
  Texas in 1985 when he was elected to the Texas House of
  Representatives, where he served for 14 years; and
 
         WHEREAS, While serving as Vice Chairman of the
  Appropriations Committee, Mr. Williamson, a proponent of
  performance budgeting, became fondly known as one of the "Pit
  Bulls," conservative lawmakers who seriously questioned state
  spending practices; and
 
         WHEREAS, Professional and legislative accomplishments
  earned Mr. Williamson many awards through the years; he was
  particularly proud of his recognition by Texas Monthly magazine
  in both 1989 and 1991 as one of Texas' "Ten Best Legislators"; and
 
         WHEREAS, In 2001, Mr. Williamson was appointed to serve on
  the Texas Transportation Commission, and in January of 2004, he
  became chairman of the commission, a position he held until his
  death; and
 
         WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was a longtime close friend and
  trusted advisor to Governor Rick Perry, and he contributed
  immeasurably to the growth and progress of the state through his
  dedication to public service, his ambitious and farsighted
  planning, and his steadfast leadership; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
  Legislature, hereby honor the memory of Ric Williamson, a great
  Texan and a cherished friend to many, whose legacy will continue
  to shape the state's infrastructure and inspire the lives of
  others for years to come; and, be it further
 
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  his family, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so
  in memory of Richard F. "Ric" Williamson.
 
  Ogden
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on May 29, 2009, by a
    rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate