TITLE: In memory of William Gipson Blackmon, Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of William Gipson Blackmon, Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens of Fort Worth in mourning the loss of William Gipson Blackmon, Jr., who died June 13, 2013, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, Bill Blackmon was born on November 7, 1920, on a farm in Springtown and grew up in difficult times during the Great Depression; he was a student at North Side High School and excelled as a member of the school's football team; he was awarded a football scholarship at Texas Christian University, where due to his height, he was given the name of "Floppy," and where he eventually became captain of the basketball team; and WHEREAS, He met his wife, Genevieve Able, at the university, and they spent 68 years together in a fulfilling marriage and raised three sons, Bill, Kirk, and Greg; they were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Floppy served as an officer in the United States Navy and was captain of a small boat in the Battle of Saipan; after working for a furniture company, he went on to join his good friend, Scott Mooring, in a business partnership; they perfected a steam carpet cleaning machine and founded a highly successful carpet and upholstery cleaning company, Blackmon Mooring; and WHEREAS, He and his wife were devoted Texas Christian University alumni and were chosen as recipients of the Most Valuable Alumni Award in 1994; they proudly watched 13 members of their family follow in their footsteps as Texas Christian University students; Floppy and Genevieve were also longtime active members of University Christian Church; and WHEREAS, Floppy Blackmon was known for his integrity, his sense of humor, his kindhearted nature, and his genuine concern for others; he was an exemplary gentleman who was beloved by many, and he will long be remembered with affection and appreciation by all who were privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of William Gipson Blackmon, Jr.; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Floppy Blackmon. Davis President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on July 9, 2013, by a rising vote.