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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Willis West Jr. passed away on March 1, 2019, at the |
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age of 91, concluding a life that was rich in meaningful |
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accomplishments; and |
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WHEREAS, Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 18, 1927, Willis |
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West Jr. was the son of Willis West Sr. and Maggie Spears-West, and |
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he grew up with the companionship of five siblings, Leron, Mildred, |
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James, Julia, and Bobbie; he attended public schools in Oklahoma |
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before joining the United States Army in 1946; stationed at Fort |
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George G. Meade in Maryland, he was assigned as a reconnaissance |
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car crewman, and he was recognized for his service with the Vietnam |
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Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Purple |
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Heart, and the Honorary Medal for Governance & Leadership; and |
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WHEREAS, A member of the National Carpenter's Union, Mr. West |
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worked as a self-employed carpenter, and in the course of his |
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career, he served as a mentor to anyone who wanted to learn the |
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trade; he ultimately retired in 1995 as a master carpenter; over the |
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years, he also made his living as a seafood and produce vendor; and |
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WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman was admired for his honesty |
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as well as his caring heart and generosity toward those in need; |
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deeply committed to his faith, he served as a deacon at Maple |
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Springs Baptist Church in Maryland from 1998 to 2003, and at the |
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time of his passing, he was a valued member of the House of Praise; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Mr. West cherished the time he spent with his loving |
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family, which included his wife of nearly 50 years, Eunice West; he |
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took great pride in his children, Kevin, Royce, Carnell, Willis, |
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Diane, and Larry, and stepchildren, James, Wayne, and Kimberly, as |
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well as in his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and |
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WHEREAS, Willis West was a source of wisdom, inspiration, and |
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joy to all who held him dear, and he leaves them with a host of |
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wonderful memories that they will forever treasure; now, therefore, |
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be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Willis West Jr. and |
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extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends; and, be it |
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further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Willis West |
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Jr. |