TITLE: In memory of Charles "Chuck" Beal of San Diego, California.

SUMMARY: In memory of Charles "Chuck" Beal of San Diego, California.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family, friends, and members of the drag racing community are mourning the loss of Charles Beal of San Diego, California, who passed away on July 13, 2017, at the age of 74; and WHEREAS, Born in San Diego on February 6, 1943, to C. W. and Elsie Beal, Chuck Beal grew up with the companionship of his brother, Daniel, and his five sisters, Norma, Ann, Sandy, Lana, and Debbie; while attending Kearny High School, he met the love of his life, the former Karen Rushing, and they wed in 1962, two years after his graduation; they shared a rewarding marriage that spanned more than five decades, and their family grew to include two daughters, Kymi and Teri, three grandsons, Brandon, Tyson, and Dylon, and three great-granddaughters, Celine, Kate, and Claire; and WHEREAS, After holding a position for three years at Solar Turbines, Mr. Beal joined General Atomics, serving as fusion quality assurance manager and non-destructive testing specialist in the nuclear research and development division; toward the end of his career, he worked on the GA electromagnetic aircraft launch system, and he retired in 2014 after nearly half a century with the company; and WHEREAS, Devoted to the sport of drag racing, Mr. Beal began competing as a driver in 1966 in both front-and rear-engine dragsters, and in the late 1970s, he switched to alcohol funny cars, winning the Winternationals championships in 1982 and 1983 and making a name for himself on the West Coast racing scene as a successful match racer; in the 1990s, he started racing nitro funny cars; and WHEREAS, This veteran driver's cars were known for their bright orange, gold, and blue color schemes and their unique nicknames, such as "Bealmobile" and "Goldie"; the founder and owner of Chuck Beal Racing, Mr. Beal helped launch the racing career of his grandson, Brandon Welch, and served as his crew chief during the National Hot Rod Association's Mello Yello Drag Racing circuit in 2016; and WHEREAS, A loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a highly regarded competitor in the racing world, Chuck Beal lived a full and generous life, and the memory of his energy, warmth, and enthusiasm will continue to inspire all those who had the good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Charles Beal and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family and many 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 Chuck Beal. Huberty Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 205 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on August 15, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House