TITLE: In memory of Tommy J. Turner of Lubbock.

SUMMARY: In memory of Tommy J. Turner of Lubbock.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The city of Lubbock lost an admired attorney and civic leader with the death of Tommy J. Turner on April 27, 2017, at the age of 69; and WHEREAS, Born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, on March 16, 1948, Tommy Turner was the oldest son of Joe and Jackie Turner; he grew up in Lubbock and completed his bachelor's degree at Texas Tech University; in 1970, he married the former Lou Pat Camp, with whom he shared 45 years, before her passing in 2015; they were the proud parents of two children, Lisa and T. J., and Mr. Turner eventually knew the joy of becoming "Big Daddy" to five grandchildren, Kyle, Drew, Paige, Cameron, and Eliza; and WHEREAS, Mr. Turner graduated from Baylor Law School in 1974 and briefly worked for the Lubbock County District Attorney's Office; after joining Wagonseller and Cobb, he discovered a passion for representing those in need, and he eventually established his own firm; he was dedicated to ensuring a level playing field for all in the courtroom and relished seeking redress for people who had been wronged by the powerful; sharing his expertise, he lectured in statewide seminars on jury selection, and he was a faculty member for the Trial Advocacy College of Texas, a director emeritus of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and a member of the American Association for Justice and the American Board of Trial Advocates; he also worked for a time alongside two old friends as chief of the Public Integrity Unit in Beaumont; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to his community, Mr. Turner served as president of CASA of the South Plains and as chair of the Lubbock Area United Way campaign's legal division; he further gave of his time and talents to the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Family Guidance & Outreach Center, and Meals on Wheels; loyal to Pi Kappa Alpha, he was advisor to the local chapter, and he capped 16 years of service on the International Fraternity's Supreme Council by serving a term as president; he was a longtime member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church and taught adult Sunday school; in his free time, he enjoyed hosting family and friends at his mountain home in Colorado; and WHEREAS, Although Tommy Turner will be deeply missed, all who had the good fortune to know him will forever find inspiration in his record of good works and in the generosity and integrity with which he lived; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Tommy J. Turner and extend sincere sympathy to his loved ones; 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 Tommy Turner. Burrows Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2000 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 25, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House