Bill Text: TX HR126 | 2013 | 83rd Legislature 1st Special Session | Introduced

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: In memory of Harrell Benge Rice of El Paso.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)

Status: (Passed) 2013-06-21 - Reported enrolled [HR126 Detail]

Download: Texas-2013-HR126-Introduced.html

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83S10599 BK-D
By: Darby H.R. No. 126

R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The passing of Harrell Benge Rice of El Paso on June
5, 2013, at the age of 86, has brought a great loss to the loved ones
of this proud lifelong Texan; and
WHEREAS, Born in Brownwood on March 7, 1927, Harrell Rice was
the son of Berniece Walker and Irving Grady Rice; he attended
Brownwood High School, and on graduating in 1944, he enlisted in the
U.S. Navy; assigned as a yeoman third class to the Pacific theater,
he earned a number of decorations for his commendable service and
later continued his military career in the Texas National Guard;
and
WHEREAS, Settling back into civilian life, Mr. Rice took
courses at The University of Texas at Austin; he subsequently
returned to his hometown to enroll at Howard Payne University,
where he earned a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree
from Southwestern Christian Seminary; musically talented, he
played the clarinet in the bands at UT and at Howard Payne, as well
as with the Old Gray Mare Community Band; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rice began his professional career as a teacher
in Lampasas and went on to join the Southwestern States Telephone
Company; he later moved to San Angelo to work as an accountant for
GTE, and from there he retired in 1988; for a number of years, he
owned several hundred acres of land in Central Texas on which he
raised cattle, tried his hand at farming, and enjoyed particular
success with dove hunting; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rice exchanged vows with the former Betty Jo
"Doe" Jenkins in 1948, and over the course of their four decades
together, they became the parents of a beloved son, Rell; Mrs. Rice
passed away in 1988; and
WHEREAS, For 35 years, Mr. Rice made annual trips to Ruidoso,
New Mexico, where he was taken by the beauty of the mountains and
the excitement of the race track; on one of these vacations, he met
Louise Katz, with whom he formed a special bond that evolved into
marriage; the couple made their home in El Paso from 1996 until the
time of his passing; and
WHEREAS, This gregarious Texan smoked a phenomenal barbecue
brisket, sold homemade "zingers" pickles, hosted popular parties,
danced every week, and relished every meal as the "best he'd ever
had"; he was a fixture at UT football games against the Aggies and
Sooners and was known to remark with certainty that "it couldn't
happen to a better group" when the Longhorns pulled out a victory;
and
WHEREAS, Harrell Rice possessed a contagious zest for life,
an unfailing patience, and a genuine love and respect for others;
although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind an inspiring
example and a wealth of memories that will be forever treasured by
all those who were blessed to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Harrell Benge Rice and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his
family: to his wife, Louise Katz Rice; to his son, Rell Rice, and
his wife, Betty; to his grandchildren, Trevor and Julia Rice; to his
sister, Jacquelyn Powell; 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 Harrell
Rice.