81R8779 JNC-D
By: Zerwas H.R. No. 650
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and
meaningful accomplishments remain to comfort the family and friends
of Royce Hopkins of Brookshire, who passed away on February 6, 2009,
at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Born in Oklahoma on May 20, 1924, Royce Hopkins
joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at age 18 and served his country in
World War II; as a B-17 bomber pilot with the 8th Air Force, 306th
Bomb Group, 367th Bomb Squadron, he flew 26 combat missions over
Germany and earned numerous awards, including four Air Medals, five
Battle Stars, a Purple Heart, and two Presidential Commendations;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins was honorably discharged in 1947 as a
1st Lieutenant, and subsequently pursued his education at Texas
Tech University, where he was president of the International
Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi; after graduating with a bachelor's
degree in accounting, he joined the Lynn Elliott Company and EIM in
Houston; and
WHEREAS, His dedication and innovation led him to the
position of general manager of EIM, and during his 17-year tenure
with the company, he developed a unique flow valve controller that
was awarded a patent; in 1968, he became vice president and general
manager of Texas Steel and Wire, where he planned and oversaw the
construction of a new plant and was part of a five-member executive
committee that covered operations in Houston, Dallas, New Orleans,
and Miami; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins became a group vice president of
Davis-Walker Corporation when it purchased Texas Steel and Wire; he
played an integral role in the company's expansion into Tennessee
and Mississippi, and was a valued member of the executive committee
before his retirement in 1981; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Hopkins helped to
establish the Waller County Economic Development Partnership and
served on its board; in addition, he was a member and director of
the West I-10 Chamber of Commerce, member of the West I-10 Economic
Development Committee, and director of the Waller County Toll Road
Authority; he also supported the establishment of the Houston
Executive Airport, and his efforts helped the facility to gain FAA
approval; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hopkins further shared his time with the 306th
Bomb Group Reunion Association, which he served as treasurer, and
assisted with the formation of the Thurleigh Airfield 306th
Bombardment Group Museum; he attended the First United Methodist
Church of Brookshire, where he was on the board of trustees, and, as
a committed Republican Party volunteer, he served as precinct chair
and as a member of the Waller County executive committee; and
WHEREAS, Royce Hopkins lived a rich and rewarding life, and
he will long be remembered with deep admiration for his myriad
contributions to his country and his community; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Royce Hopkins and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Mollie Hopkins; to his children, Sharon Harvey and her husband,
Peter, Kim Montag and her husband, Jeff, Kit Hopkins, and Mike
Hopkins and his wife, Andrea; to his grandchildren, Chris Hopkins
and Jennifer Shepherd; to his sisters, Joye McLain and Lois Ann
King; 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 Royce
Hopkins.