TITLE: In memory of John Edward Gay, former mayor of McKinney.

SUMMARY: In memory of John Edward Gay, former mayor of McKinney.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The citizens of McKinney lost a valued resident with the death of John Edward Gay on January 26, 2021, at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, A native of McKinney, John Gay was born to Morris and Eleanor Gay on March 9, 1929; after graduating from McKinney Boyd High School in 1947, he attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1951 and his law degree in 1954; he subsequently embarked on a successful legal career that spanned more than six decades and included a 50-year tenure as general counsel for the North Texas Municipal Water District; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gay was a member of the McKinney City Council from 1985 until 1991, and he went on to serve as the city's mayor for three terms, until 1997; he further contributed to his community through leadership roles with a number of worthy organizations, including the McKinney Rotary Club, the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, and the McKinney Education Foundation; moreover, he was a member of the board at First United Methodist Church of McKinney; and WHEREAS, In October 1959, Mr. Gay wed the former Judy Leatherman, and in the course of their 61 years of marriage, they became the proud parents of three children, Jennifer, John, and David; with the passing years, he had the privilege of seeing his family grow to include four grandchildren, Alan, Taylor, Ryan, and Maggie; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his many accomplishments, Mr. Gay received the 1999 Citizen of the Year award from the McKinney Chamber of Commerce; in addition, he and his wife were honored by the City of McKinney, which named the John & Judy Gay Library in their honor; and WHEREAS, Although John Gay's death has brought great sorrow to his loved ones, his life was an inspiring example of the good that one person can accomplish; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of John Edward Gay 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 John Gay. Sanford Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1085 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 14, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House