TITLE: In memory of James Alan Haynes of Tyler.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Alan Haynes of Tyler.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed Texan drew to a close with the passing of James Alan Haynes of Tyler on June 22, 2024; and WHEREAS, Alan Haynes was born to Edith and J. Sidney Haynes on October 23, 1939, and he grew up with the companionship of his brother, Noble, and sister, Meredith; after graduating from Tyler High School and Tyler Junior College, he received a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin; later, he earned a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce and taught at TJC; in 1973, he opened The Sportster, Inc., a retail sporting goods store, and the National Association of Sporting Goods Dealers honored the business with its leadership award for independent retailers in 1978; over the years, he was involved in a number of state and national political campaigns, and he served as the district coordinator for state senator David Cain from 1997 to 2003; and WHEREAS, A consummate outdoorsman, Mr. Haynes traveled the world hunting and fishing; he was a tireless advocate for hunter education and the conservation of the state's natural resources, giving generously of his time and expertise to organizations such as the Texas Kids Fish program, ShareLunker Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries Advisory Board, and East Texas Woods and Waters Foundation; he helped establish the Old Sabine Bottom Texas Parks and Wildlife Management Area and Mineola Nature Preserve on the Sabine River, and his extensive efforts included directing the National Wild Turkey Federation and advocating for the first state legislation on hunter safety and the spring turkey season; he was inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2019; and WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Mr. Haynes shared four decades of marriage with his wife, Sandra, and he also cherished his two daughters, Kim and Sherrie, three grandchildren, Blake, Haley, and Breanna, and four great-grandchildren, Bruin, Cannon, Briar, and Gatlin; a man of faith, he was a valued congregant of Green Acres Baptist Church; and WHEREAS, While the death of Alan Haynes brings great sadness to his loved ones, he leaves behind a legacy of good works that will long be remembered; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of James Alan Haynes and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family and to his many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Alan Haynes. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 26, 2025, by a rising vote.