H.R. No. 2231
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Irving lost an admired civic leader
with the death of former mayor Morris Holland Parrish on April 30,
2009, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, Born a twin on January 28, 1927, near Tenaha, Morris
Parrish was the son of Fred and Lena Parrish; he graduated from
Tenaha High School in 1943 and went on to serve his country during
World War II and the Korean War as a hospital corpsman in the U.S.
Navy; he subsequently earned a bachelor's degree from Stephen F.
Austin State University and a master's degree in hospital
administration from Northwestern University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parrish enjoyed a long career as a hospital
administrator, serving at Memorial Hospital in Houston, Memorial
Hospital in Nacogdoches, and Irving Community Hospital before
retiring in 1987; along the way, he was appointed as a member of the
Board of Nurse Examiners by Governor William Clements; and
WHEREAS, Later selected as executive director of the Irving
Arts Center by the Irving City Council, Mr. Parrish developed an
enthusiasm for public art, which became a defining characteristic
of his service as a council member and as mayor for four years; a
strong advocate for mass transit, as well, he worked for the
expansion of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit service and fought for
Irving's continued inclusion in DART's territory; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parrish further distinguished himself as a
member of the Dallas Mobility Coalition, the Tollway Committee for
the Dallas Region, the DART Arts Committee, the executive committee
of the North Texas Council of Governments, the executive committee
of the North Texas Commission, and the Metroplex Mayors
Association, which he chaired; in addition, he was a deacon at
Plymouth Park Baptist Church, and he was particularly proud of the
role he played in establishing the Irving Healthcare Foundation, an
organization that raises funds for nonprofit health care; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to improving the world around him, Morris
Parrish inspired others with his energy and generosity, and he will
long be remembered by all who were privileged to share in the
richness of his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Morris Holland
Parrish and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to
his wife, Marjorie Parrish; to his children, Richard Parrish and
Judith Bolch; to his grandchildren, Sam, Danny, and Alex Parrish
and Beau and Ali Bolch; to his twin brother, Mitchell Parrish, and
his wife, LeFern; to his sister-in-law, Jean Parrish; 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 Morris
Parrish.
Harper-Brown
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2231 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 25, 2009.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House