TITLE: In memory of Ralph Leonard Davis of Tyler.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ralph Leonard Davis of Tyler.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The citizens of Tyler lost an admired business and community leader with the death of Ralph Leonard Davis on April 3, 2013, at the age of 86; and WHEREAS, Ralph Davis was born on August 11, 1926, in Houston, the only child of Herman and Rebecca Freedman Davis; raised in Livingston, Mr. Davis was class president at Livingston High School, and he attended Shriner College before returning home to help his mother run his family's business, the Fair Store, when his father became ill; and WHEREAS, After honorably serving in the U.S. Army, he moved to Tyler and purchased two dress shops, which he grew into a thriving business, the R. L. Davis Manufacturing Company; he expanded the organization further when the U.S. Army contracted him to make pants during the Vietnam War; the company was a founding member of Dallas' World Trade Center, and Mr. Davis later opened R. L. Davis Fine Gifts and The Christmas Store; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan contributed to his community as president of the Texas Rose Festival and the Tyler Museum of Art; he was also devoted to many civic and charitable causes, including Congregation Beth El, the Jewish Federation of Tyler, Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, and the Shriners; and WHEREAS, Mr. Davis shared a rewarding 26-year marriage with his wife, Judith Sugerman Davis; after her passing, he was blessed to find love again with Gloria Kusin Bishkin, whom he married in 2002; and WHEREAS, Although Ralph Davis will be deeply missed, memories of his kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor will long endure in the hearts of all those who shared in the richness of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Ralph Leonard Davis and extend sincere sympathy to his wife, Gloria Bishkin Davis, and to his other family members and friends, including Cathy, Will, Charlie, and Gary Golden, Lori and Sara Stahl, and Bruce, Jim, Tracey, and Jane Bishkin; 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 Ralph Leonard Davis. White Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2241 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 22, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House