TITLE: Congratulating Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his retirement as proprietor of Ralph's Records.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his retirement as proprietor of Ralph's Records.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The retirement of Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV, proprietor of Ralph's Records for more than 36 years, marks the end of an era for the Lubbock music scene; and WHEREAS, The son of Joseph Ralph DeWitt III and Norma DeWitt, Ralph DeWitt was born in Houston in 1952; he spent some of his youth in San Antonio and Chicago before graduating from Monterrey High School in Lubbock; while studying business management at Texas Tech University, he paid for his studies by working in a grocery store, driving a cab, delivering newspapers, and working as a nightclub DJ; he also honed his entrepreneurial skills by buying and selling used cars, venturing into concert promotion, and investing in residential and commercial properties; and WHEREAS, Mr. DeWitt was also an avid record collector, and in 1980, he realized his dream of turning his hobby into a business; he opened Ralph's Records in a small space on University Avenue, and within two years, he was able to expand; for a time, he also ran shops in Oklahoma City and Amarillo, as well as a second location in Lubbock; the store has operated at its current 82nd Street address since 1991; and WHEREAS, Fostering a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that customers loved, Mr. DeWitt always hired musicians and fellow music fans and encouraged them to share their knowledge, ideas, and opinions; the industry changed dramatically over the years, but he was able to adapt, adding such items as CDs, DVDs, and video games; all the while, he retained his allegiance to vinyl records, and he was ready to take full advantage of the revival of the format in the current decade; through the years, he has also been a steadfast supporter of live music in the city; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Mr. DeWitt has benefited in all his endeavors from the encouragement of his wife, Polly, his children, Allison and Joey, and his mother, Norma, as well as his four siblings; and WHEREAS, Ralph DeWitt has set a sterling example of entrepreneurship while making vital contributions to the Lubbock music scene, and as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life, he may reflect with justifiable pride on his accomplishments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his retirement as proprietor of Ralph's Records and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. DeWitt as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Frullo Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 116 was adopted by the House on January 25, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House