2023S0542-1 12/05/23
 
  By: Eckhardt, Hinojosa S.R. No. 78
 
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
         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 source of hope and inspiration to his colleagues,
  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.