81R32681 JH-D
By: Bolton H.R. No. 2405
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Lone Star State lost a beloved member of its
musical community on May 6, 2009, with the passing of Randall Locke
of Briarcliff; and
WHEREAS, Better known as "Poodie," Mr. Locke spent nearly
3-1/2 decades working for Willie Nelson, becoming the singer's
stage manager and trusted assistant and playing an essential role
in overseeing the almost-continuous concert tours by Willie Nelson
and Family; Mr. Locke was also an entrepreneur, operating Poodie's
Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood, which became a well-known live
music venue that boosted the careers of many young performers and
has hosted numerous performances by Willie and other music legends;
and
WHEREAS, A native of Waco, Poodie Locke was the son of Gloria
Donna Main and James Houston Locke; according to his mother, he was
voted Waco's most beautiful baby when he was just a few months old,
and he got his nickname from the way his older sister pronounced the
word "pretty"; he graduated from University High School in Waco and
went on to study at North Texas State University, and by the 1970s,
he was working as a member of the road crew for country star B. W.
Stevenson; in 1975, Mr. Locke crossed paths with Willie Nelson,
whom he had first met years earlier; offered a job as one of
Willie's roadies, Mr. Locke agreed, and so began his life's work;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Locke found his niche in his role as stage
manager, overseeing the setup of the musicians' instruments and the
countless other logistics involved with keeping a band on schedule
for hundreds of days each year; focused, organized, and hardworking
on the one hand, Mr. Locke also possessed a calm demeanor that
contributed greatly to the band's success and comfort on the road;
and
WHEREAS, When not taking care of business, he could often be
found playing golf, particularly on the course at the Briarcliff
Golf Club; Mr. Locke had a colorful and exuberant personality that
made him countless friends among the famous and the not-so-famous
alike, and his warmth and kindness will be greatly missed by all who
had the good fortune to know this larger-than-life Texan; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Randall "Poodie"
Locke and extend deepest condolences to the members of his family:
to his mother, Gloria Locke; to the love of his life, Shaye Groves;
to his sister, Cindi Lou Locke; to his niece, Ashley Vincent, and
her husband, James; to his nephew, Dillon Locke-Boles, and his life
partner, Dial Boles; to his great-niece, Hanna Vincent; to Willie
Nelson and the other members of his extended family; and to his many
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 Poodie
Locke.