81R27488 CBE-F
By: Gattis H.R. No. 1624
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and purposeful life came to an end with the
passing of Billy Jack Stiles of Thorndale in January 2009; and
WHEREAS, Jack Stiles graduated from Thorndale High School and
married his beloved sweetheart Lillian, with whom he enjoyed a
fulfilling marriage of more than 55 years; the couple were blessed
with three children, Mark, Jacqueline, and Marilyn, as well as nine
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stiles, a patriotic American, willingly
answered his nation's call to duty as a member of the U.S. Air Force
during the Korean War; his love of country never diminished after
his honorable military service, as he was an active member of the
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Following his discharge from the military, Mr.
Stiles worked in administrative services with the Texas State Board
of Insurance until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stiles was a true Godly Southern gentleman of
the finest caliber, and he expressed his devotion to His Lord Jesus
Christ as a dedicated member of First Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, After the tragic and untimely death of his beloved
Lillian from a senseless and unprovoked attack by loose domestic
dogs, Mr. Stiles and other family members worked tirelessly with
State Representative Dan Gattis to champion the passage of
"Lillian's Law," also known as House Bill 1355 of the 80th Texas
Legislature; the unwavering dedication of Mr. Stiles to seeing this
legislation become law has helped enhance the public safety of
residents throughout Texas by reducing the number of such tragic
and preventable domestic dog attacks; throughout the legislative
session, Mr. Stiles showed truly remarkable poise, dignity, and
grace, as was evidenced by his powerful testimony before house and
senate committees; and
WHEREAS, Although the passing of Jack Stiles has brought
great sorrow to all who knew him, he leaves behind a wealth of
memories that will long be treasured by those who were privileged to
share in his company; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Billy Jack Stiles and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
children, Mark Stiles and his wife, Cheryl, Jacqueline Williams,
and Marilyn Shoemaker and her husband, Bill; to his grandchildren,
Nicole King and her husband, Vernon, Alexander Williams and his
wife, Danette, Jess "Trey" Williams III, Justin and Jonna Stiles,
Brook and David Hampton, Amanda Shoemaker, and Shawn Shoemaker and
his wife, Kyndal; to his great-grandchildren, Chase Williams,
Andrew and Amanda Lopez, Harley King, Devon Perkins, Paige Stiles,
and Savannah and Landan Williams; to his sister, Shirley Ling; and
to his other relatives and 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 adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Billy Jack
Stiles.