TITLE: In memory of Tommy Lee Grace of Graham.

SUMMARY: In memory of Tommy Lee Grace of Graham.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The life of an admired coach and educator drew to a close with the untimely passing of Tommy Lee Grace of Graham on July 7, 2016, at the age of 63; and WHEREAS, A native of Odessa, Tommy Grace was born on October 15, 1952, to Albert Thomas Grace Jr. and Myra Grace; he graduated from Gordon High School and served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War before earning a master's degree from Tarleton State University; and WHEREAS, Mr. Grace enjoyed a notable tenure with the Graham Independent School District that spanned more than two decades; in addition to coaching football, boys' and girls' basketball, track, and golf, he served as the boys' athletic director and taught science at Graham Junior High School; active in his professional community, he was a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association and the Coaches Outreach ministry; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan married the love of his life, the former Debra Strain, on December 23, 1972, and the couple nurtured a rewarding union that was blessed with two children, Kelley and Jeff, and five grandchildren, Logan, Ryan, Joshua, Hattie Belle, and Kyle; and WHEREAS, Tommy Grace lived a rich and purposeful life, and memories of his devotion to his family, his students, and his community will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Tommy Lee Grace and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Debra Grace; to his children, Kelley Schmidt and her husband, Andrew, and Jeff Grace and his wife, Jessica; to his grandchildren, Logan, Ryan, Joshua, and Hattie Belle Grace and Kyle Schmidt; to his siblings, Jackie Corley and her husband, Benny, and Albert Grace III and his wife, Linda; and to his many 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 Tommy Lee Grace. Springer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1444 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 27, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House