TITLE: In memory of Roy H. Williams.

SUMMARY: In memory of Roy H. Williams.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Roy H. Williams, who died March 18, 2017, at the age of 74; and WHEREAS, Roy Williams was an exemplary citizen whose many achievements as an advocate for civil rights made a difference in the lives of the people of Dallas and served as an inspiration to others; and WHEREAS, He was a native of Longview, where he excelled at school and began a lifelong commitment to civil rights by joining those protesting the segregation practices in place at the local Woolworth store's lunch counter; in 1959, he became president of the Longview National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth Council; and WHEREAS, He attended Northeastern Junior College before serving the nation as a member of the United States Army in Germany; he moved to Dallas in the 1970s and again began to work as an activist on such issues as police misconduct, apartheid, and the lack of minority representation on the Dallas City Council; and WHEREAS, He played an important role in the passage of the ordinance disallowing investment by the city in companies associated with the apartheid government of South Africa or the Soviet Union; he also served as vice chair of the Police and Paramedic Complaints Committee, and he was known for his meticulous preparation for appearances before the city council; and WHEREAS, After an unsuccessful bid for election to the city council in 1987, he became a coplaintiff in the lawsuit that overturned the city's system for electing a portion of its council members on an at-large basis on the grounds that the process was prejudicial to minority voting rights; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, determination, and compassion, he gave unselfishly to others, and his commitment to equality for all citizens and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten by his family, his many friends, and those he inspired; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Roy H. Williams; 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 Roy Williams. West President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 3, 2017, by a rising vote.