TITLE: In memory of Billy Pickard of College Station.

SUMMARY: In memory of Billy Pickard of College Station.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The passing of Wilford F. Pickard Jr. of College Station on March 9, 2015, at the age of 81, has brought a great loss to the Texas A&M University community; and WHEREAS, Born in San Antonio on October 31, 1933, to Wilford Pickard and Katherine Bossy, "Billy" Pickard graduated from Central Catholic High School and subsequently enrolled at A&M; he joined the Aggie football program as a student trainer, and he worked in that capacity under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant until he completed his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1956; and WHEREAS, Mr. Pickard began his professional career as the head athletic trainer at Port Arthur and Brazosport High Schools before returning to College Station in 1965 to take over as head athletic trainer for the football team; over the ensuing five decades, he took on an ever-increasing number of responsibilities within the A&M athletic department, serving as the school's equipment manager, assistant athletic director for training, equipment, and facilities, and associate athletic director for facilities; he was named senior associate athletic director for facilities in 1994, and in this role he helped coordinate the construction of the Bright Football Complex, Nye Academic Center, and the Bernard C. Richardson Zone at Kyle Field; and WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan officially retired in 2009, but he continued to be a familiar and welcome presence on the A&M campus; affectionately known as the "Keeper of Kyle Field," he would often arrive at 6 a.m. to check on the stadium, and he was a fixture and frequent speaker at Aggie football practices in recent seasons; Mr. Pickard also lent his support to the school's other athletic programs, attending myriad baseball and basketball games; and WHEREAS, Highly respected by players and peers alike, Mr. Pickard held a number of important leadership positions within the Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association, and the organization honored him for his many contributions with the prestigious Frank Medina Award in 1984; he was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 1985, and he was a member of the Texas A&M Lettermen's Association Hall of Honor; moreover, he received well-deserved recognition for his dedicated efforts in behalf of the university when the school declared October 10, 2009, as Billy Pickard Day at Kyle Field; and WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Pickard enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Linda, and their six children, Kevin, Joe, Janet, John, Jean, and Joy, and he later knew the joy of welcoming two additional generations into his cherished family; and WHEREAS, Billy Pickard made a positive difference in countless lives during his exemplary service to Texas A&M University, and he will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his loved ones and Aggies everywhere; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Billy Pickard and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife of 43 years, Linda Pickard; to his children, Kevin Pickard and his wife, Amy, Joe Pickard and his wife, Jan, Janet Bausch, John Pickard and his wife, Diane, Jean Carter and her husband, Jeff, and Joy Crowl and her husband, Mark; to his grandchildren and his great-granddaughter; to his brother, Robert Pickard, and his wife, Mary; and to his other relatives and many 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 Billy Pickard. Kacal Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1408 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 16, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House