SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 290
	In Memory
	of
	Bobby Joe Morrow
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
	commemorates the life of Bobby Joe Morrow, an esteemed Texas
	citizen and a world-champion athlete, who died May 30, 2020, at
	the age of 84; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Rangerville, Bobby Morrow was born on
	October 15, 1935, and he grew up on his family's cotton and carrot
	farm in the Rio Grande Valley; he was a naturally gifted runner,
	and he excelled on the football team and as a track and field
	athlete at San Benito High School, where he gained nationwide
	attention as a three-time state champion sprinter; and
	WHEREAS, Bobby was known for his natural physical poise on
	the track and for his fluid running style, and he honed his skills
	and talent at Abilene Christian University under the guidance of
	the late Coach Oliver Jackson; he won the Amateur Athletic Union
	championship for the 100-yard dash as a freshman in 1955, and he
	and his teammates broke or matched 10 world records; and
	WHEREAS, Bobby represented the United States at the 1956
	Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, where he won gold medals in the
	100-meter and 200-meter sprints and in the 400-meter relay, and
	he was the first American sprinter since Jesse Owens in 1936 to
	earn a gold medal in all three events; he returned home a hero and
	received numerous accolades for his athletic achievements,
	including recognition as the 1956 Sportsman of the Year by Sports
	Illustrated magazine and as One of the Nine Greatest Living
	Americans by the United States Chamber of Commerce; and
	WHEREAS, After retiring as an athlete, Bobby returned to
	the Rio Grande Valley, and he enjoyed a quiet life in San Benito,
	where the school district's football stadium was named in his
	honor; he donated his Olympic gold medals with the hope of
	inspiring others to pursue their dreams, and he occasionally gave
	speeches and made public appearances; he preferred to live simply
	and dedicate himself to his loved ones and his community, and he
	remained humble and gracious throughout his life, despite his
	impressive accomplishments; and
	WHEREAS, Bobby shared 20 years of devotion with his
	longtime partner, Judy Parker; he was blessed with a son and two
	daughters and with two stepdaughters, and his 11 grandchildren
	and eight great-grandchildren were a source of much pride and joy
	for him; and
	WHEREAS, Bobby Morrow was a legendary figure in the world of
	sports and a cherished Texan; while famous for his extraordinary
	talent, he was also known for his loving and generous spirit, and he
	will long be remembered with respect and admiration by all who were
	privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
	Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
	family of Bobby Joe Morrow; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
	his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
	Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
	memory of Bobby Morrow.
	Lucio
	Alvarado Hancock Paxton
	Bettencourt Hinojosa Perry
	Birdwell Huffman Powell
	Blanco Hughes Schwertner
	Buckingham Johnson Seliger
	Campbell Kolkhorst Springer
	Creighton Menéndez Taylor
	Eckhardt Miles West
	Gutierrez Nelson Whitmire
	Hall Nichols Zaffirini
	Patrick, President of the Senate
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on April 21, 2021, by a
		rising vote.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate