TITLE: In memory of William Albert Swinney Sr.

SUMMARY: In memory of William Albert Swinney Sr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and meaningful accomplishments remain to comfort the family and friends of William Albert Swinney Sr., who passed away on April 20, 2023, at the age of 99; and WHEREAS, The son of James R. Swinney and Bessie Garner Swinney, Bill Swinney was born in Rogers on July 8, 1923, and grew up with a younger brother, Robert, and sister, Garnett; during the Great Depression, the family moved frequently between ranches and small towns in Central Texas and Mississippi, and as the oldest child, Mr. Swinney took on enormous responsibility; nevertheless, he graduated as president of his high school class; during World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as soon as he was of age, and he served as a waist gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber in the Pacific Theater; he went on to attend the University of Mississippi and studied law in Texas before embarking on an entrepreneurial path; after decades as a general contractor, he focused on land development and real estate; not a believer in retirement, he worked as long as he was able; and WHEREAS, In 1948, he married the former Marjorie June Gustafson, and they were blessed with six children; he encouraged them to share his enthusiasm for fitness by creating an extensive backyard playground on the family's seven-acre lot in San Antonio; the family also enjoyed water sports at their vacation house on Lake LBJ; on April 14, 1990, Mr. Swinney wed Brenda Kennedy, who inspired him to read his Bible and become active in church again; in addition, they supported scholarships for students at a Christian school near their home; together, they adopted his great-grandchild, Scarlett; Mr. Swinney loved to hear his wife play hymns and marches on the piano and organ; an inspiration to others, the couple was profiled in the April 2023 edition of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Decision Magazine; and WHEREAS, Although Bill Swinney is deeply missed, he leaves behind a legacy of devotion to his family, his faith, and his country that his loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of William Albert Swinney Sr. and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife, Brenda Swinney; to his children, William A. "Chip" Swinney Jr. and his wife, Phyllis, David Bruce Swinney, Scott Swinney and his wife, Patty, Brett James Swinney and his wife, Debbie, Karla Swinney Keahey and her husband, Robert, Kathleen Swinney Parker and her husband, Brad, and Scarlett Lee Parker Swinney; to his stepchildren, Jeff Kennedy and his wife, Brittney, and Scott Kennedy and his wife, Karen; to his 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; 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 William Albert Swinney Sr. Gerdes Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1494 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 19, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House