TITLE: In memory of Richard "Racehorse" Haynes.

SUMMARY: In memory of Richard "Racehorse" Haynes.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas legal community lost a true legend with the death of Richard "Racehorse" Haynes of Trinity on April 28, 2017, at the age of 90; and WHEREAS, Born in Houston on April 3, 1927, Richard Michael Haynes was sent as a child to live with his grandmother in San Antonio during the Great Depression; she began his education before he was old enough for school, teaching him the three Rs and instilling in him a love of language; as a teenager, he received his colorful nickname from a football coach, but he distinguished himself more in boxing, becoming a welterweight champion; he joined the U.S. Navy after high school and earned the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for saving two wounded marines from drowning during the landing at Iwo Jima; and WHEREAS, Following World War II, Mr. Haynes completed his bachelor's degree in accounting at the University of Houston and served as a paratrooper in the Korean War before going on to graduate from the University of Houston Law Center; his sharp intellect, remarkable memory, and flair for drama made him a formidable defense attorney, and early in his career, he prevailed in 163 consecutive DWI cases, one of the longest winning streaks in legal history; he achieved victories in numerous seemingly impossible cases, including some 40 capital murder trials, and Time magazine named him as one of the nation's best in his field; a number of his high-profile cases were celebrated in books, movies, a Broadway play, and even a song, but in 2009, he told an interviewer that his biggest success was securing the freedom of an African American man framed for thefts committed by a white coworker; outside the courtroom, he was affable and engaging, and he was a mentor as well as a role model to many younger lawyers; he continued to practice law well into his 80s, when his health began to decline; and WHEREAS, Mr. Haynes was devoted to his family, and he shared a fulfilling marriage of 63 years with his wife, Naomi Haynes, before her death; he was the proud father of Reginald "Slade" Haynes, Jason "Blake" Haynes, Ricki Cheryl Haynes, and the late Trayce Alexander, grandfather of Damon "Dusty" Haynes, Dillon McGilberry, Robyn Alexander, Kristyn Alexander, Parker Haynes, Justin O'Cain, Sterling Haynes, and Hayley Reanne Haynes, and great-grandfather of Cole Haynes, Tyler Richard Haynes, Madison Haynes, Alexandra McGilberry, Naomi Grace Haynes, and Tanner O'Cain; and WHEREAS, Racehorse Haynes will remain a name to reckon with in the history of the legal profession, and those who were privileged to share in his love and friendship will forever treasure their memories of his warmth, sardonic wit, and great kindness; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Richard "Racehorse" Haynes and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his passing; 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 Richard "Racehorse" Haynes. Wu Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2004 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on May 25, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House