SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 217
 
 
  In Memory
  of
  Paul W. Powell
 
         WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed spiritual leader drew to a
  close with the passing of the Reverend Paul W. Powell on December
  28, 2016, at the age of 83; and
         WHEREAS, Paul Powell was born on December 6, 1933, and grew
  up in East Texas; called to the ministry at the age of 17, he
  earned degrees from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist
  Theological Seminary and went on to preach at churches in
  Belfalls, Troy, Taylor, and San Marcos; in 1972, he assumed the
  pulpit at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, where he guided
  the congregation for nearly two decades; and
         WHEREAS, Over the years, Reverend Powell held a number of
  offices with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, including a
  term as president from 1985 to 1987, and he also served as
  president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist
  Convention Annuity Board; he subsequently accepted a position as
  dean of the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor
  University, which more than doubled its enrollment and saw its
  endowment grow to more than $38 million during his six-year
  tenure; and
         WHEREAS, Reverend Powell's many achievements and contributions
  were recognized with Distinguished Alumnus accolades from Baylor
  University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and
  with honorary degrees from Baylor, East Texas Baptist University,
  Campbell University, Dallas Baptist University, and the University
  of Mary Hardin-Baylor; he also received Baylor's Herbert H.
  Reynolds Award; and
         WHEREAS, Additionally, Reverend Powell authored 36 books,
  and he gave generously of his time and talents to the boards of
  Southside Bank, the Robert M. Rogers Foundation, and Mother
  Frances Hospital in Tyler; he also enjoyed playing softball and
  basketball on church teams; and
         WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, he enjoyed the love and
  support of his wife, Cathy, and he took tremendous pride in their
  three children, Kent, Mike, and Lori, and their grandchildren,
  Jordan, Katie, and Matthew; and
         WHEREAS, Paul Powell truly exemplified the highest standards
  of his vocation, and he leaves behind a legacy of good works that
  will long be remembered; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
  Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Reverend
  Paul W. Powell and extend sincere condolences to his family and
  friends; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do
  so in memory of the Reverend Paul W. Powell.
  Hughes
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 21, 2017,
    by a rising vote.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate