TITLE: In memory of Bill Lovelady of El Paso.

SUMMARY: In memory of Bill Lovelady of El Paso.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The cotton industry lost an admired leader with the passing of Bill Lovelady of El Paso on January 29, 2017, at the age of 70; and WHEREAS, Born in El Paso on February 27, 1946, Bill Lovelady was the son of Dan and Louise Lovelady; he grew up in Acala and completed his bachelor's degree in journalism at The University of Texas at El Paso; he began farming cotton in 1973 and practiced cutting-edge conservation methods in his fields in El Paso and Hudspeth Counties; and WHEREAS, Mr. Lovelady was dedicated to his industry and helped shape the nation's agricultural policy through his leadership in professional organizations; he traveled to many countries promoting American cotton, and he was president of the National Cotton Council at a crucial juncture; over the years, he served the group in numerous capacities, including advisor to the board, member of the Operations Committee, and chair of the Beltwide Cotton Conference Steering Committee; he was also chair of Supima and president of the Texas Association of Cotton Producer Organizations and of the El Paso Valley Cotton Producers Association; among myriad accolades, he received the 2009 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award from the NCC and the 2015 Southwest Farm Press High Cotton Award; and WHEREAS, Active in his community as well, Mr. Lovelady was a director for First National Bank and WestStar Bank and gave generously of his time and expertise to a number of other boards; he served First United Methodist Church of Fabens as a lay leader and as president of the administrative board; and WHEREAS, Mr. Lovelady shared a fulfilling marriage of 47 years with the love of his life, Suzie Lovelady, and he was the proud father of a son, Ty, and a daughter, LeAnn; kind, sincere, and thoughtful, with a genial manner and warm smile for all, he enjoyed a host of long friendships, and he was a mainstay of the daily circles at the coffee shops in Fabens and Fort Hancock; and WHEREAS, Although Bill Lovelady is deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to share in the richness of his life, he will forever hold a special place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Bill Lovelady and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; 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 Bill Lovelady. Gonz lez of El Paso Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2704 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 29, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House