TITLE: In memory of William Ryle "Bill" Edwards Jr. of Corpus Christi.

SUMMARY: In memory of William Ryle "Bill" Edwards Jr. of Corpus Christi.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of William Ryle Edwards Jr. of Corpus Christi on March 13, 2023, at the age of 91; and WHEREAS, The son of Catherine and William Edwards, Bill Edwards was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 25, 1931, and he grew up in Virginia with the companionship of his brother, Jack; he graduated from Staunton Military Academy and went on to receive both his bachelor's degree and his law degree from the University of Virginia; a talented diver, he won the Virginia title for low-board diving and the Amateur Athletic Union state championship for high-board diving; in 1953, he joined the U.S. Army; and WHEREAS, Mr. Edwards moved to Texas to embark on his legal career, joining the firm of Baker Botts in Houston; shortly thereafter, he relocated to Corpus Christi and eventually opened his own personal injury practice, The Edwards Law Firm; he was active in a number of statewide professional organizations and served as president of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association in 1968, on the board of governors for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and as a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; in the course of his service to his community and state, he advocated to change the law in Texas for people receiving compensation; and WHEREAS, In his leisure time, Mr. Edwards was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting, gardening, ranching, and playing handball; while he was committed to "what was right," he never failed to enjoy the luxuries of life and also appreciated Texas' nature; and WHEREAS, Although he will be deeply missed, the passage of time will never diminish the joy and love that Bill Edwards brought into the lives of all who knew him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of William Ryle Edwards Jr. and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Sally Lander; to his children, Terry Baiamonte and her husband, Rob, Margaret "Libby" Edwards Pender and her husband, Frank, William R. "Billy" Edwards III and his wife, Paula, and Dr. Margaret Lander Rising; to his grandchildren, Lander Beck Baiamonte, Benjamin Scott Baiamonte and his wife, Caroline, Stewart Randall Mann and his wife, Carrie, William Price Salem, William R. "Ryle" Edwards IV, John A. "Alex" Edwards, Jack Edwards Rising, and Linn Edwards Rising; to his great-grandchildren, Conlee Stewart Mann and Everett Ames Mann; 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 Bill Edwards. Hunter Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1150 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 28, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House