TITLE: In memory of Gene Graham.

SUMMARY: In memory of Gene Graham.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close with the passing of Gene Graham on March 19, 2023, at the age of 90; and WHEREAS, The son of Talbert Edgar Graham and Jessie Vivian McDaniel, Gene Graham was born in Raymondville on January 19, 1933; he graduated from Raymondville High School in 1950 and earned a degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University; answering his nation's call to duty, he joined the United States Army, where he served as a tank commander and rose to the rank of captain before being honorably discharged; and WHEREAS, Returning to civilian life, Mr. Graham worked for the Texas Highway Department in South Texas and for the Heldenfels Brothers Construction Company in Corpus Christi; he later moved to North Padre Island and became president of Padre Isles Investment Corporation, where he played an instrumental role in building the Padre Isles Country Club; he went on to establish his own construction company and worked as a real estate broker and land developer, helping create several subdivisions in the Flour Bluff and Chapman Ranch areas of Corpus Christi; and WHEREAS, Mr. Graham and his wife, Veda, shared a fulfilling union that spanned more than half a century before her passing in 2010; they became the parents of two children, Gary and Gail, as well as a "bonus son," Alex, and the family later grew to include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; in all his endeavors, Mr. Graham drew strength from his Christian beliefs, and he made use of his engaging sense of humor and his gifts as a storyteller to share his message of faith; and WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Gene Graham will remember the way he touched their lives with his generosity and charm, and he will forever hold a treasured place in their hearts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gene Graham and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to his children, Gary Graham and his wife, Rachelle, and Gail Blair and her husband, Howard; to his grandchildren, Trent Pruett and his wife, Elise, Cody Blair and his wife, DeAnna, Kari Jacobs and her husband, Paul, Shari Graham, Tyler Pruett, Mari Heckroth and her husband, Keith, and Grace Graham; to his great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives 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 Gene Graham. Hunter Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1152 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 28, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House