H.R. No. 2003
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed civic leader and legendary
  football player drew to a close with the passing of Richard Preston
  Ritchie on May 11, 2023, at the age of 68; and
         WHEREAS, Born on May 2, 1955, in Mineral Wells, Richard
  Ritchie was the son of John and Ann Ritchie; he gained national
  acclaim on the gridiron during his years at Texas A&I University,
  compiling a remarkable 39-0 record as the starting quarterback and
  leading the Javelinas to undefeated seasons in 1974, 1975, and 1976
  that yielded three Lone Star Conference crowns and three NAIA
  Division I championships; named Most Valuable Player of the 1974
  NAIA title game, he also garnered the 1975-1976 NAIA and LSC Player
  of the Year honors; he graduated with a degree in education and
  kinesiology in 1977, and he later created the Richard Ritchie
  Endowment in support of the school's athletic programs; he was
  inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame, the LSC Hall of Honor, and
  the College Football Hall of Fame, and he earned the Distinguished
  Alumni Award for his continuing involvement with the university;
  and
         WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie went on to serve as an assistant
  football coach at The University of Texas at Austin, the University
  of North Texas, and Texas Tech University; after receiving his
  juris doctor degree from St. Mary's University in 1991, he embarked
  on his career as an attorney, following the tradition set by four
  previous generations in his family; he joined his father's
  practice, the Richard P. Ritchie Law firm in Mineral Wells, and he
  was a prominent member of the community, serving as an attorney for
  the Palo Pinto Water District and as a director of the First State
  Bank of Mineral Wells and the Brazos Foundation; moreover, he was
  president of the Noon Lions Club and captain of the Palo Pinto
  County Sheriff's Posse, and he also distinguished himself as a
  rancher, another occupation long pursued by the members of his
  family; and
         WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ritchie enjoyed the love
  and support of his wife, Penny, his daughters, Leslie Kay and Lacie,
  and his five grandchildren; and
         WHEREAS, While the death of Richard Ritchie brings great
  sadness to his loved ones, he leaves behind a legacy that will long
  be treasured by all who held him dear; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Richard Preston
  Ritchie and extend deepest condolences to the members of his
  family: to his wife, Penny Ritchie; to his daughters, Leslie Kay
  Ritchie Robnett and her husband, Kevin, and Lacie Ritchie Austin
  and her husband, Matthew; to his grandchildren, Elisha, Cyrus,
  Arleigh, Sky, and Sydney; 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 House of
  Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Richard
  Ritchie.
 
  Troxclair
  Rogers
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 2003 was unanimously adopted by a
  rising vote of the House on May 18, 2023.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House