TITLE: In memory of Robert R. Woodward of Kerrville.

SUMMARY: In memory of Robert R. Woodward of Kerrville.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Countless lives were touched by the kindness and generosity of Robert R. Woodward of Kerrville, who passed away on August 30, 2010, at the age of 83; and WHEREAS, Born in Houston on July 13, 1927, to Harley and Grace Woodward, Mr. Woodward spent much of his childhood in Houston and at Valdina Farms, his grandfather Emerson F. Woodward's ranch, located near Sabinal and Hondo; following his graduation from Texas Military Institute during World War II, Bob Woodward answered his nation's call to duty and volunteered for the United States Navy; he served through the end of the war, and after his discharge he enrolled at Texas A&M University; and WHEREAS, Mr. Woodward began his successful career in ranching when he was called away from college to run Valdina Farms; in addition to being a rancher and businessman, he was also a respected Bible teacher and author, whose commentaries on the New Testament went through several printings; Abilene Christian University recognized his efforts in 1987, when it awarded him an honorary doctor of Christian service degree; and WHEREAS, A man of strong Christian principles, Mr. Woodward continued his family's tradition of philanthropy by contributing to many worthy causes, including children's homes and churches; he demonstrated his passion for Christian education when, in honor of his mother, he established the Grace L. Woodward Memorial Endowment Trust at Abilene Christian University; presented to the College of Biblical Studies in 1998, the $26.5 million gift was the largest single endowment in the university's history, and it has made a significant impact on the college; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Woodward enjoyed the love and companionship of his wife, Mary, to whom he was married for 35 rewarding years; he was blessed with four daughters, Beverly, Barbara, Bobbie, and Bethe, and his life was further enriched by his two stepsons, Bill and Tom, as well as by his grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Bob Woodward lived a rich and purposeful life centered around his faith and his family, and he will long be remembered with deep affection by all who knew him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert R. Woodward and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Mary Woodward; to his daughters, Beverly Starr and her husband, Neal, Barbara White and her husband, Keith, Bobbie Jones and her husband, Carl, and Bethe Deal and her husband, Scott; to his stepsons, Bill H. Soyars and his wife, Deanna, and Tom Soyars and his wife, Martha; to his 8 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and 10 great-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 Robert R. Woodward. Hilderbran Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 244 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on February 24, 2011. Chief Clerk of the House