SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 80

In Memory

of

Bert Massey II

WHEREAS, Residents of Brownwood lost a greatly admired civic leader with the passing of former mayor Bert V. Massey II on November 13, 2024, at the age of 81; and

WHEREAS, Born in Brownwood on October 3, 1943, Bert Massey II was the son of Bert and Audree Massey; following his graduation from Brownwood High School in 1961, he went on to receive bachelor's and juris doctor degrees from The University of Texas at Austin; he then found employment with the Veterans Land Board and the Brown County Abstract Company before becoming a partner in the law firm of Massey, Shaw & West, with a concentration on real estate and probate law; his career further included work as president of the Brown County Abstract Company and as general counsel to the Independent Title Agents of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his community, Mr. Massey served on the Brownwood City Council from 1978 to 1984 and as mayor from 1984 to 2010; his 32-year tenure represented the longest continuous municipal service of any city official, and his time in public office coincided with the successful completion of numerous capital improvement projects; under his leadership, the city also implemented its 2003 Downtown Master Plan, and he oversaw the passage of an economic development sales tax that resulted in the city attracting several major employers; he also played a pivotal role in securing upgrades to the Brown County Water Improvement District treatment plant, and he later joined its board in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his years of public service, Mayor Massey held other prominent titles as a board member for the Texas Municipal League, as president of the Texas Land Title Association, and as president of the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which recognized him with its Lifetime of Service Award in 2010; he was involved in TLTA in many capacities, and his accolades from the organization included being named an honorary life member and its Title Man of the Year in 1984; and

WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mayor Massey was blessed with the love and support of his wife of 55 years, Melinda Massey, and he was the proud father of their children, Sarah, Rachel, and Bert; he was also devoted to their grandchildren, Cora, Liam, Rory, Sammy, and Nate; a man of devout faith, he was a longtime active member of First Baptist Church Brownwood; and

WHEREAS, Bert Massey dedicated himself wholeheartedly to making Brownwood a better place to live for his fellow citizens, and he leaves behind a legacy of good works that will long be remembered; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Bert V. Massey II and extend deepest sympathy to his family 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 Bert Massey.

King

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 18, 2025, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate