SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 78

In Memory

of

David Gray Hall

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the remarkable life of David Gray Hall, who died on October 11, 2023, at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, David Hall was born on November 10, 1941, in Baytown; after graduating from high school, he attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he served as a member of the Silver Spurs and was honored as a University of Texas Goodfellow; and

WHEREAS, David devoted his life to serving others through his various professional pursuits and was deeply committed to the cause of justice; he served in the Peace Corps in Venezuela for two years before completing his law degree, and he went on to work as an attorney for the United Farm Workers Union and the American Civil Liberties Union; and

WHEREAS, A champion for the rights of the oppressed, David made tremendous contributions to the advancement of justice throughout the Rio Grande Valley region through his service as the director of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid; he was an advocate for the equal representation of Mexican Americans and defended the rights of migrant farmworkers for more than 40 years until his retirement in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Under his outstanding leadership, the group launched the state's first nonprofit public defender services, established pro se clinics throughout border counties, assisted in transnational litigation involving parental custody disputes, and bolstered representation for children jailed by immigration authorities, among a number of other commendable initiatives; and

WHEREAS, A man of wisdom, determination, and integrity, David was named one of the greatest Texas lawyers of the past century by Texas Lawyer for his exceptional contributions to his profession, and he trained and mentored countless young attorneys representing asylum seekers to fight for their clients with courage and conviction; and

WHEREAS, David was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of nearly 27 years, Pamela, and a loving father to his two daughters, Allison and Lynn; he is also survived by his niece and nephew, and his four grandchildren were a source of great pride and joy to him; and

WHEREAS, David was an intrepid defender of justice and a leader in creating meaningful and lasting change in the field of law; he was a sourceofhopeandinspirationtohiscolleagues, clients, and countless others, and he leaves behind memories that will be forever cherished by his loved ones and by all who were privileged to know him and to share in his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of David Gray Hall; 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 David Hall.

Eckhardt, Hinojosa

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on December 5, 2023, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate