TITLE: Recognizing Ralph M. Hall for his life of service.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Ralph M. Hall for his life of service.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Honorable Ralph M. Hall for his outstanding service to his community and to this state and nation; and WHEREAS, Ralph Hall was born in Fate, Texas, a small town in Rockwall County; in 1942, he joined the United States Navy, and he served with distinction as an aircraft carrier pilot during World War II; after the war, he earned a degree in law from Southern Methodist University; and WHEREAS, He maintained a successful law practice in Rockwall for many years and was a highly successful business leader in the community; he was a founder of Lakeside National Bank, and he continues to serve as chair of the institution today; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hall's career in public service began at the urging of his wife, Mary Ellen Murphy, and in 1950, he became the Rockwall County Judge and was the youngest county judge in the state; he went on to serve as a Texas State Senator for nine years; and WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. Hall was elected to the United States House of Representatives; throughout his 34 years in Congress, he served as a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; during his tenure, he promoted science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in education and worked to ensure America's place as a leader in research, development, and space exploration; he was named chairman of the committee in 2011; and WHEREAS, In November of 2012, Congressman Hall became the oldest member in the House of Representatives to ever cast a vote, and the following month, he became the oldest member in recorded history to have served in the House; he remained dedicated to his constituents throughout his years of service and earned a reputation for excellence among his colleagues on Capitol Hill; and WHEREAS, A loving family man, Ralph Hall shared 64 years of marriage with the late Mary Ellen Murphy, who was a source of strength and support throughout their years together; they were blessed with three sons, Hampton, Brett, and Blakeley, and five grandchildren, who are a source of immense pride and joy; and WHEREAS, Representative Hall concluded his tenure in the House of Representatives in January of 2015; he was held in the highest respect by his constituents throughout his distinguished career, and his impressive legacy of service in the nation's Capitol will remain a source of inspiration for future generations of leaders; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby commend the Honorable Ralph M. Hall for his exemplary life of service and his invaluable contributions to the state and the nation and extend to him best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Hall President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 21, 2015.