88S31075 JRI-D
 
  By: Hughes S.R. No. 50
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, A full and generous life drew to a close with the
  passing of Billie Joe Dean of Gilmer on August 20, 2023, at the age
  of 97; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Jerry and Maggie Dean, Bill Dean was born
  in Upshur County on January 5, 1926, and he grew up with eight
  siblings, Ella, Gerald, John, Everett, Winnie, Rose, Margie, and
  Jerrianne; answering his nation's call to duty, he joined the U.S.
  Navy in 1942 at the age of 16; he was assigned to the Naval
  Construction Force as a member of the Seabees and served until 1946;
  and
         WHEREAS, Returning to Upshur County, Mr. Dean exchanged
  wedding vows with the former Virginia Bowden on April 28, 1947; the
  couple raised their three children, Billy, Ginger, and Terry Joe,
  in Gilmer, where they permanently settled, and they shared more
  than seven and a half decades together before Mrs. Dean's passing;
  through the years, Mr. Dean had the pleasure of seeing his family
  grow to include 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1
  great-great-grandchild; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Dean was employed with Dean Lumber Company for
  numerous years, and he also owned and operated heavy equipment; a
  friend to many, he was beloved for his keen wit and wonderful sense
  of humor; he enjoyed playing checkers and dominoes in his leisure
  hours, especially the game of 42, and he earned a reputation for his
  ability to serve up a delicious pot of chili; a man of faith, he was
  a lifelong member of Gilmer Church of Christ; and
         WHEREAS, Those who were privileged to share in this esteemed
  man's love and friendship will always remember him with great
  tenderness and affection; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature, 3rd
  Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Billie Joe Dean
  and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to
  his children, Billy Ray Dean and his wife, Brenda, and Ginger
  Cargal; to his grandchildren, Michael Dean Gage and his wife,
  Brandie, Rebekah Brown, Eric Dean, Luke Dean and his wife, Katie,
  Liz Couch and her husband, Randy, Sarah Smith and her husband,
  Russell, and Wesley Cargal and his wife, Amber; to his
  great-grandchildren, Dutch Dean Gage, Caleb, Hannah, and Abbie
  Brown, Mahri, Paisley, Charlotte, Jex, Norah, and Elliott Dean,
  Lauren and Brooke Couch, Riley and Reagan Smith, and Desiree
  Pierce; to his great-great-grandchild, Bohdi Allen Pierce; 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 Bill Dean.