TITLE: In memory of former Brazoria County sheriff and judge E. J. "Joe" King.

SUMMARY: In memory of former Brazoria County sheriff and judge E. J. "Joe" King.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Residents of Brazoria County lost an admired civic leader with the passing of former county sheriff and county judge E. J. King on August 1, 2023, at the age of 79; and WHEREAS, A veteran of the U.S. Army, "Joe" King served with the Texas Department of Public Safety for a dozen years before joining the Brazoria Police Department as a lieutenant; he was elected sheriff in 1980, and over the course of an exemplary 24-year tenure, he implemented significant reforms and upgraded facilities and equipment; moreover, he set a sterling example of courage, dedication, and integrity in the pursuit of justice and the furtherance of public safety; elected county judge in 2006, he worked tirelessly to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life in the rapidly growing area; in all his endeavors, he fostered an environment of trust and cooperation with his staff and developed strong connections with residents of the diverse community; and WHEREAS, Judge King gave generously of his time and expertise to numerous charitable causes and civic organizations, including the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Brazoria County Cattlemen's Association, the Brazoria County Fair, the American Legion, and The 100 Club of Brazoria County; among numerous accolades, he received the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Bay Area Council Boy Scouts of America, the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Alvin Community College Alumni Association, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Houston-Clear Lake; he was a cattleman all his life, and his retirement in 2014 allowed him to focus more fully on his ranch; above all, he was devoted to his family; he shared 32 years of marriage with his wife, Jackie, and he took great pride in his son, daughter, and four grandsons; and WHEREAS, Joe King made a lasting, positive imprint on Brazoria County through his visionary leadership, and although he is deeply missed by those he left behind, they will treasure their memories of his warmth, kindness, and empathy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of the Honorable E. J. "Joe" King and extend sincere sympathy to all who mourn his passing; 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Joe King. Vasut President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 15 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on November 17, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 15 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the Senate on November 30, 2023. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor