TITLE: In memory of James Ratliff "Buzz" Hurt Sr.

SUMMARY: In memory of James Ratliff "Buzz" Hurt Sr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The life of an admired rancher, businessman, and civic leader drew to a close with the passing of James Ratliff Hurt Sr. of Ector County on November 2, 2023, at the age of 93; and WHEREAS, The son of Mary Ratliff Hurt and Sam Fuqua Hurt Sr., "Buzz" Hurt was born on April 29, 1930, in Austin; he and his brother, Sam, grew up on the ranch founded by their grandparents in northeastern Ector County, and it remained his home for most of his life; after graduating from Odessa High School, he attended The University of Texas at Austin until his father's death in 1950, when he returned home to manage Ratliff Ranch; he played an active role in developing the petroleum reserves under his land and ran numerous companies, among them Z-Bar Ranch and Cattle Company, Ratliff Ranch Development Company, PBP Fabrication, Incorporated, and Eureka Prospecting Company; and WHEREAS, Mr. Hurt wed Freddie Jean Wheeler in 1950, and they were blessed with four children, Mary Helen, Jay, Joe, and Sally; in 1983, he married the former Betsy Triplett, and during their 39-year marriage, they enjoyed their common interests of travel, serving their community, and caring for their many dogs and cats; a skilled baker of artisanal bread, Mr. Hurt delighted in giving away loaves and teaching others the craft; he was also a talented aviator, competing in aerobatics and earning recognition as a Master Pilot from the Federal Aviation Administration; and WHEREAS, Furthering his family's tradition of civic engagement, Mr. Hurt served as a charter member of the Ector County Airport board and a trustee of the Ector County Independent School District; he volunteered with such organizations as the Sandhills Hereford and Quarter Horse Show and Championship Rodeo, the Ector County Livestock Show, and Globe of the Great Southwest; in addition, he and his family donated land for Ratliff Stadium, Ratliff Ranch Golf Links, the Bridge United Methodist Church, City of Odessa Fire Station No. 9, and three roadway rights-of-way; he was named the 1985 Heritage of Odessa Community Statesman for Ranching, and he and Betsy Hurt were named the 1996 Citizens of the Year by the Odessa Chamber of Commerce and 2020 Friend of the Arts honorees by Odessa Arts; Mr. Hurt was a member of Wesley United Methodist Community Group and brought communion bread to the group the day before he died; and WHEREAS, Deeply dedicated to his family and his community, Buzz Hurt earned the lasting respect and admiration of all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of James Ratliff Hurt Sr. and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife of 39 years, Betsy Hurt; to his children, Mary Helen Johnson, Joseph Stewart Hurt and his wife, Sherry, and Sally Beth Bolton and her husband, Toya; to Vickie Hurt, the widow of his son, Jay; to his 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and to his other relatives and many 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of Buzz Hurt Sr. President of the Senate Speaker of the House President of the Senate Speaker of the House I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 7 was adopted by the Senate on November 16, 2023, by a rising vote. Secretary of the Senate I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 7 was adopted by the House on December 5, 2023, by a rising vote. Chief Clerk of the House Approved: Date Governor