TITLE: In memory of William W. Fomby of Hamlin.

SUMMARY: In memory of William W. Fomby of Hamlin.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and meaningful accomplishments remain to comfort the family of William W. Fomby of Hamlin, who passed away on April 13, 2013, at the age of 93; and WHEREAS, Born in Jones County on December 22, 1919, Bill Fomby was the youngest of James William and Katherine Futrell Fomby's seven children; in 1940, two years after graduating from Hamlin High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy; and WHEREAS, A gunner's mate first class, Mr. Fomby was stationed at Pearl Harbor aboard the battleship USS Oklahoma during the fateful Japanese surprise attack on December 7, 1941; although his ship was struck and capsized, he survived and continued to serve the war effort in the Pacific theater until the end of hostilities; and WHEREAS, On returning home in 1947, Mr. Fomby met the love of his life, Vie Bailey, and the two were married in Hamlin that same year; in 1953, they moved to Odessa, where they lived for more than four decades and raised their two children, Carla and James; the couple returned to Hamlin in 1997; Mr. and Mrs. Fomby shared a rewarding union of more than 50 years until her passing in 2001, and over time, their family was blessed with the addition of four grandchildren; and WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan worked in oilfield sales covering a 30-county territory in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico until his retirement; he was a longtime member of Highland United Methodist Church in Odessa, where he served on the administrative board, as president of the Builders Sunday school class, and as a Sunday school teacher, in addition to assisting with building construction to accommodate the growing congregation; and WHEREAS, Although Bill Fomby is deeply missed, he will long be remembered with admiration and affection by all those who were fortunate enough to share in the richness of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of William W. Fomby and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his children, Carla Fomby and James Fomby; to his grandchildren, Scott Stephens, Kenneth Link, Garrett Fomby, and Lauren Fomby; 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 Bill Fomby. Fallon Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3080 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 27, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House