TITLE: In memory of Dr. Dale Alvin Roller of Amarillo.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. Dale Alvin Roller of Amarillo.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, An exemplary life dedicated to music and education drew to a close with the death of former Amarillo College professor Dr. Dale Alvin Roller on August 24, 2020, at the age of 90; and WHEREAS, Dale Roller was born to Sylvester and Hattie Belle Roller in Cleveland, Oklahoma, on February 1, 1930, and he grew up with four brothers; inspired by two older brothers and his high school music teacher, he studied music at college, earning bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Tulsa, and in 1974 he returned to school to earn a doctorate in music education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; during the Korean War, he served with the 657th Air Force Band, rising to the rank of sergeant; and WHEREAS, Dr. Roller began his career by teaching piano at the University of Tulsa, and in 1956, he joined the faculty of Amarillo College; over the course of his 35-year tenure with the college, Dr. Roller taught piano, music history, and humanities, conducted the school's choirs, and rose to become head of the music department; he brought the Suzuki Program to the campus, and he served as one of the college's most charismatic ambassadors, persuading countless students across the Panhandle to apply for admission; after retirement, he served for eight years on the Amarillo College Board of Regents, including a year as chair, and he was named professor emeritus in 2005; and WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Roller founded the Amarillo Master Chorale in 1985 and the Amarillo Youth Choir in 1989, and he also directed choirs at several area churches, including 22 years at First Christian Church; he served on many local boards, including the board of the Greater Southwest Music Festival, and for 30 years he and his wife were executive secretaries for music for Region I of the University Interscholastic League; from 2012 to 2019, he led "The Happy Timers," an ecumenical vocal group for seniors; and WHEREAS, In 1956, Dr. Roller was introduced to Betty Jo Denman, a violinist for the Amarillo Symphony; the couple were married in 1957 and went on to share 60 rewarding years together, until her death in 2018; he was the proud father of three sons, Scott, Kirk, and Jeff, and later in life he was blessed with seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, For more than six decades, Dale Roller was an inspiring teacher, musician, and cultural leader in Amarillo, bringing the gift of music to his fellow citizens and to generations of students, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dale Alvin Roller and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his sons, Scott Roller, Kirk Roller and his wife, Anne, and Jeff Roller and his wife, Carol; to his grandchildren, Sean Roller and his wife, Theresa, Beth Roller and her husband, Josh Smothers, Josh Roller and his fianc e, Maddie Jones, and Megan, Timothy, Blake, and Jenna Roller; to his great-grandchildren, Marlene and Janosch; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Dale Alvin Roller. Price Smithee Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 786 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on April 30, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House