TITLE: In memory of Enrique C. González.

SUMMARY: In memory of Enrique C. González.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The citizens of Brownsville lost an esteemed community leader with the passing of former mayor Enrique C. Gonz lez on March 24, 2023, at the age of 87; and WHEREAS, The son of Maria and Emilio Gonz lez, Henry Gonz lez was born in San Benito on November 29, 1935, and he grew up with the companionship of seven siblings, Reynaldo, Gloria, Maria, Delia, Emiliano, Carlos, and Carmen; in his youth, he learned the value of hard work through part-time jobs on his family's farm; he graduated in 1954 from Saint Joseph Academy, where he played on the football and basketball teams, and he went on to earn a degree in business marketing from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1958; he was a member of the Corps of Cadets in the C-Field Artillery outfit during his years in College Station; and WHEREAS, Mr. Gonz lez worked in the cotton industry and traveled across the U.S. before joining the Brownsville Independent School District in 1962; over the course of his 13-year tenure, he served as an educator and later as the district's director of transportation and supplies; he became a trustee on the school board in 1975, and his achievements in that role included serving as president, securing passage of bond proposals, and guiding the construction of new schools; he later embarked on a rewarding career with the Oyster Bar restaurant, and he played an instrumental role in managing its Rio Grande Valley expansion as well as its location on Paredes Line Road; and WHEREAS, In the early 1990s, Mr. Gonz lez returned to public office, first winning election as a Brownsville city commissioner and later as mayor, serving in each role for five years; under his able leadership, the city acquired a new city hall facility, completed construction of the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates, and established a Sister City relationship with Matamoros; he also guided Brownsville through a period of economic growth, and he played an instrumental role in promoting the Make a Difference Day community cleanup initiative; and WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Gonz lez benefited from the love and support of his wife, Mary Lou, with whom he shared a fulfilling marriage that spanned 65 years; he took great pride in his children, Henry, Cissie, Lettie, Magda, and Justo, and over the years, his treasured family grew to include six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; throughout his life, he found strength in his Catholic faith; and WHEREAS, A devoted family man, a hard-working public servant, and an accomplished business leader, Henry Gonz lez lived a rich and purposeful life, and he leaves behind a record of service that his loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Enrique C. Gonz lez and extend heartfelt 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 Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Henry Gonz lez. LaMantia President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 13, 2023, by a rising vote.