TITLE: Commending Dr. Walter D. Wilkerson, Jr., for his efforts in behalf of his fellow citizens.

SUMMARY: Commending Dr. Walter D. Wilkerson, Jr., for his efforts in behalf of his fellow citizens.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Texas is fortunate to have generous and engaged citizens like Dr. Walter D. Wilkerson, Jr., of Conroe, who has made many significant contributions to the state and to Montgomery County; and WHEREAS, After graduating from high school in Bryan, Walter Wilkerson earned his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and his medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas; he completed an internship in Houston before joining the U.S. Navy as a general medical officer in 1956; and WHEREAS, Dr. Wilkerson began practicing family medicine in Conroe in 1958; over the course of a career that spanned nearly four decades, he also mentored medical students as an assistant clinical professor of family practice at the Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center; he further contributed to his profession as an active member of the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Family Physicians; a Charter Diplomate with the American Board of Family Practice, he has served on the boards of Doctors Hospital, Conroe Regional Medical Center, and the Community Clinic; moreover, he was named the Texas Family Physician of the Year and the recipient of the prestigious Sam A. Nixon, M.D., Leadership Award; and WHEREAS, Recognized for his leadership on collective health issues, Dr. Wilkerson was appointed in 1995 to a six-year term as the chair of the Texas Board of Health; under his thoughtful guidance, the board advocated a cooperative environment, developing strong partnerships with physicians, local policy makers, and business leaders to enable improved wellness for all Texans; and WHEREAS, Passionate about political causes, Dr. Wilkerson has chaired the Montgomery County Republican Party since 1964; he was a member of the state executive committee for over a decade and was named as a delegate for the 1968 and 1972 Republican national conventions; for his commendable work in behalf of the GOP, he was given the Visionary Leadership Award by state party officials, honored for meritorious service by the county chairs association, and presented with the Lifetime Achievement Hats Off Award from the Associated Republicans of Texas; in addition, Montgomery County selected him as its Outstanding Citizen in 1974; and WHEREAS, Throughout his endeavors, Dr. Wilkerson has enjoyed the love and support of his wife of 58 years, Neddie Jane, and he takes great pride in their two children and four grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Wilkerson has long made a positive difference in Montgomery County and beyond, and he has set an outstanding example of professional achievement and civic engagement to which all may aspire; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commend Dr. Walter D. Wilkerson, Jr., for his efforts in behalf of his fellow citizens 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 Dr. Wilkerson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Toth Creighton Bell Fletcher Riddle Bonnen of Galveston Callegari S. Davis of Harris Farney Miller of Fort Bend Murphy Stephenson Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 949 was adopted by the House on March 27, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House