85R10331 BPG-D

By: Davis of Dallas H.R. No. 356

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The City of Dallas lost an esteemed civic leader with the passing of former Dallas Independent School Board president Hollis Brashear on February 5, 2016, at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, Born in 1935, Hollis Brashear grew up in southern Dallas during segregation; he spent summers as a boy picking cotton to help support his family and worked as a janitor at Prairie View A&M University while completing his bachelor's degree in civil engineering; subsequently, he completed a master's degree at Oklahoma State University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brashear was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and commanded a combat engineer company near the demilitarized zone in Korea; he went on to serve in France and in the Vietnam War, earning many decorations, among them two Bronze Stars; in 1979, he concluded a distinguished military career that spanned 21 years and returned to his hometown, where he served as director of the City of Dallas Building Services Department; he also managed the Dallas office of the Williams, Russell, and Johnson engineering firm and founded HNB Consulting Engineers; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brashear won a seat on the Dallas ISD board in 1992 and became a strong voice for the educational needs of minority children; he was twice elected president and provided calm leadership during a contentious period; moreover, he was a mentor and role model to other African American public officials; further benefiting his community, he gave of his time and expertise to such organizations as the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, The University of Texas at Dallas development board, the Dallas County Appraisal District board, and the Dallas Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from the school board in 2006, Mr. Brashear remained active in educational matters while serving as the caregiver for his beloved wife, Minnie, who passed away in 2014; he was the devoted father of Enez Brashear and Teresa Brashear-Briscoe; and

WHEREAS, Hollis Brashear made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and he will be remembered with admiration and affection by all who were fortunate enough to know him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Hollis Brashear and extend deepest sympathy to those who mourn his passing; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Hollis Brashear.