TITLE: In memory of George Frederick Black.

SUMMARY: In memory of George Frederick Black.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Galveston in mourning the loss of George Frederick Black, who died July 30, 2017, at the age of 70; and WHEREAS, A lifelong Galvestonian, George Black was born on Galveston Island on June 30, 1947; he was a proud island resident, and he was widely respected for his efforts to ensure that the community he loved remain an extraordinary place in which to live, work, and raise a family; and WHEREAS, Mr. Black shared more than 46 years of marriage with his devoted wife, Sherry, and their son, Joshua, was a source of great pride and joy to him; and WHEREAS, He served the Boy Scouts of America and was a scout master for the troop to which his son belonged and in which his son earned the rank of Eagle Scout; Mr. Black helped guide the organization in both local and national leadership positions, and in recognition of his service, the Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts awarded him a Silver Beaver District Award, the scouting's highest honor; Mr. Black also served as a local community leader for both the Jaycees and the Kiwanis Club, and he was a Mason and member of the Galveston Scottish Rite; and WHEREAS, In an effort to help one of the city's most famed events to thrive, Mr. Black volunteered his time supporting the Galveston Mardi Gras; he served as parade marshall for the children's parade and for the inaugural Knights of Momus Grand Parade, and in 2014, he was bestowed the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award; and WHEREAS, A devout man of faith, Mr. Black enthusiastically served as a loyal member of the First Lutheran Church; he was a general chairman of the Island Oktoberfest, the church's annual fall festival, and he was proud to have helped establish Fanfare Lutheran Music Academy, which provides a place for underprivileged youth to gain an education and appreciation for music and the arts; and WHEREAS, Mr. Black enjoyed a successful career as a businessman and an entrepreneur; he was a founding member of Robert Shields and Associates, which he later rebranded as 3Coast, and he served as president and chief executive officer of the company; he and his wife also owned several local businesses and apartment complexes in Galveston County; and WHEREAS, Mr. Black was a treasured citizen and a celebrated member of his community; he was beloved by many, and he will long be remembered with deep respect and admiration by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of George Frederick Black; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of George Black. Taylor of Galveston President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on August 11, 2017, by a rising vote.