SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 64

In Memory

of

Stuart Bird

WHEREAS, Stuart Bird, a beloved educator and administrator and a dear friend to many, passed away on January 21, 2021, at the age of 73; and

WHEREAS, A native of Mansfield, Louisiana, Stuart Bird graduated from high school in Many, Louisiana, in 1966; he studied at Stephen F. Austin State University and at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he received a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in educational administration; and

WHEREAS, At age 19, Mr. Bird embarked on what would be a 47-year career in education; he worked as a band director in Louisiana before relocating to Carthage High School, where he earned promotion to director of fine arts for the Carthage Independent School District; he made it a point to instill pride and character in his band students, and his commitment to excellence was deeply influential on the bands he guided, which won many awards during his tenure; he also found time to volunteer as a clinician and judge for band competitions in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Bird made the transition to administration, first serving as principal of Carthage and Jacksonville High Schools and then as superintendent of Jacksonville ISD; after a brief retirement, he returned to work as superintendent of Troup ISD and finally as interim assistant superintendent for Tyler ISD; his shrewd common sense and affinity for people made him a natural in these leadership roles, and he was admired by colleagues, students, and parents alike; he was inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Educators at Northwestern State University and into the Carthage Band Hall of Fame, and to accompany the ceremony for the latter, a march called "Bird's Battlin' Brigade" was composed in his honor by Texas A&M University's director of bands; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Bird enjoyed the love and support of his wife of 39 years, Sharon, and their children and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Stuart Bird touched the lives of innumerable people through his kindness, encouragement, and friendship, and he will forever be a source of inspiration to those he leaves behind; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Stuart Bird and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Sharon Bird; to his children, Tracy and David Modlin, Adam Bird, Ginger and Alan Colston, Kyle Bird, and Holly and Eric Lyddy; to his grandchildren, Jacob and Abigail Bird, Braden Bird, Kyle Modlin, Landry and Maddux Lyddy, and Patrick, Paige, and Payton Colston; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Stuart Bird.

Hughes

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 23, 2021, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate