TITLE: In memory of James Leroy Dreyer.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Leroy Dreyer.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Brenham in mourning the loss of James "Leroy" Dreyer, who died January 30, 2021, at the age of 90; and WHEREAS, Leroy Dreyer was an exemplary citizen and a dedicated educator whose work as a coach and athletic director at Blinn College had a positive impact on the Brenham community and on the lives of countless student athletes; and WHEREAS, He was born on February 9, 1930, in Brenham; he was a standout athlete at Brenham High School and became the first junior college All-American football player at Blinn College, where he lettered in basketball and baseball; he went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and a master's degree from Sam Houston State University; and WHEREAS, While attending Blinn College, he met June Whiddon, the love of his life, and they enjoyed 70 years of marriage together; they were blessed with three children, Janet Dreyer, Joan Dreyer Koonce, and the late James Leroy Dreyer Jr.; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a source of much pride and joy for him; and WHEREAS, He joined the athletic faculty at Blinn College in 1958 as an assistant football coach, and he became the head baseball coach the following year; he was soon promoted to athletic director, and under his leadership, one of the most successful junior college athletic programs in the country was created; and WHEREAS, He continued to serve for 27 years as the head baseball coach and led his teams to five appearances in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series; he was named the Texas Junior College Coach of the Year 12 times; in recognition of his many contributions to Blinn Athletics, the college named its baseball facility Leroy Dreyer Field in his honor; in 2017, he was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame; and WHEREAS, Leroy Dreyer was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he will long be remembered with 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, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of James Leroy Dreyer; 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 Leroy Dreyer. Kolkhorst President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 11, 2021, by a rising vote.