2023S0438-1 05/26/23
 
  By: West S.R. No. 702
 
 
 
SENATE RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
  commemorates the life of Johnny Welton Self, who died December
  21, 2022, at the age of 72; and
         WHEREAS, Johnny Self was born on January 29, 1950, in
  Zachary, Louisiana; a fiercely determined civic leader, he broke
  through countless barriers and dedicated his career to serving
  the residents of the Lone Star State; and
         WHEREAS, After earning a degree in business management
  from Southern University in 1972, John became the first Black
  firefighter to serve with the Arlington Fire Department in 1973;
  he bravely served the Arlington community while demonstrating
  the unique courage and sound judgment of his profession with
  pride; and
         WHEREAS, After leaving the fire department, John worked
  for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts before
  transitioning to a role with TXU Energy; a magnetic leader and
  trailblazer, he was elected vice president of the TXU Energy
  board and  was the first Black man to serve in the role; and
         WHEREAS, John acted as a government advisor with TXU
  Energy and Oncor Electric Delivery and worked closely with many
  state officials and political leaders throughout his career; his
  unflagging optimism and commitment to serving the public
  established him as a widely respected and popular figure at the
  Texas Capitol, and he continued to serve as a political
  consultant after his retirement from the energy sector; and
         WHEREAS, John was a devoted parishioner of Mount Olive
  Baptist Church, where he served as an usher, Sunday school
  teacher, deacon, and executive board member; he was married to
  the love of his life, Beatrice, for 49 years, and he cherished his
  two children, Jeremy and Jarita, and his three grandchildren; and
         WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and integrity,
  Johnny's wisdom and generous spirit enriched the lives of many,
  and his memory will be forever treasured by his loved ones and
  friends and by all who were privileged to share in his life; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
  family of Johnny Welton Self; 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 Johnny Self.