TITLE: In memory of Jeff Bell.

SUMMARY: In memory of Jeff Bell.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of civic leader and philanthropist Jeff Bell, who died March 21, 2011, at the age of 89; and WHEREAS, Jeff Bell contributed significantly to the betterment of the Portland and Corpus Christi communities through his leadership and generous support of education and civic organizations; and WHEREAS, An early backer of Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Mr. Bell was president of the university's foundation and a member of the President's Circle and the Chancellor's Council in the Texas A&M University System; he financed the first computer lab in the Corpus Christi campus library, which was later named the Mary and Jeff Bell Library; and WHEREAS, He was born in San Saba on May 11, 1921, and moved with his family to Corpus Christi in 1932; he graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in economics; and WHEREAS, Jeff Bell served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II; he returned to Corpus Christi in 1946 and in 1947, he married Mary Daimwood, who died in 2000; he was an organizer of Portland State Bank and was bank president from 1959 to 1987; and WHEREAS, After Mr. Bell retired, he focused much of his time and energy on ranching and farming and on environmental issues, preservation, and conservation; he was a devoted father and grandfather and a treasured friend; he will be long remembered not only for his kindness and generosity but also for his unassuming nature and keen sense of humor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby honor the memory of Jeff Bell and extend sincere condolences to his bereaved family; 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 Jeff Bell. Hinojosa President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 30, 2011, by a rising vote.