TITLE: In memory of Ruffner Perry Baugh of Rockport.

SUMMARY: In memory of Ruffner Perry Baugh of Rockport.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Ruffner Perry Baugh of Rockport on February 2, 2015, at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, Ruffner Baugh was born on November 21, 1923, in Asheville, North Carolina, to George Herman Baugh Sr. and Lena Mabel Whitfield; raised in Charlotte, he went on to pursue his higher education at Duke University; and WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty during World War II, Mr. Baugh interrupted his studies at Duke in November 1942 to enlist in the Army Air Corps and train as a bomber pilot; he flew combat missions over Europe during the Ardennes counteroffensive, and he earned two Bronze Stars and the ETO Ribbon; following the war, he served in the Air Force Officers' Reserve Corps until 1955, and he would occasionally fly over his home and wiggle the wings of his plane to say hello to his loved ones below; and WHEREAS, After returning to civilian life, Mr. Baugh joined Chance Vought Aircraft in Connecticut, and he transferred to the company's Dallas office in 1949; he continued to work for the enterprise, which later became LTV Corporation, for 38 years, reaching the position of head of production planning; and WHEREAS, In retirement, Mr. Baugh and his second wife, Patricia, whom he married in 1975, sold their home in Dallas, bought a trailer, and set off on a five-year road trip that took them all across the nation, from coast to coast and from Florida to Alaska; they eventually settled in Rockport; and WHEREAS, "Ruff" Baugh loved gardening and the Dallas Cowboys, and he delighted in the accomplishments of his grandchildren; a lively and energetic man, he could roller-skate and ride a bicycle backwards into his 60s, and in his 80s, he was still a fierce competitor on the tennis court; and WHEREAS, A loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, and a proud veteran of World War II, Ruff Baugh lived life to the fullest, and memories of his time on this earth will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Ruffner Perry Baugh and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Patricia Baugh; to his son, Philip Baugh, and his wife, Mimi; to his grandson, Nicholas Baugh; to his granddaughter, Kristin Carona, and her husband, Jeff; to his great-grandson, Maxwell Carona; to his brother, Bob Baugh; to his stepchildren, Diane and Darrell; to his step-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and 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 Ruffner Perry Baugh. Morrison Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 777 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 12, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House