H.R. No. 683
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Longtime conservation advocate George W. Wilkins of
Gladewater is retiring from the board of directors of the
Upshur-Gregg Soil and Water Conservation District in 2009, drawing
to a close nearly four decades of service; and
WHEREAS, George Wilkins is a native of East Texas, born in
1911 and raised on a farm in Gregg County; after graduating from
Gladewater High School in 1930, he went to work as a surveyor for
the county engineering department, helping to build 105 miles of
hard-surface road, the first in the county; and
WHEREAS, From 1936 to 1939, Mr. Wilkins worked for the Texas
Highway Department, and in 1939, he began a long and distinguished
career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, starting in Galveston
and then transferring to Fort Worth in 1950; during his 30 years
with the Corps of Engineers, Mr. Wilkins played a vital role in
conserving the water resources of Texas, helping to construct 17
large reservoirs across the state; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wilkins retired in 1969 and returned to his
homestead in 1970, but he has continued to serve as a dedicated
steward of the resources of the Lone Star State; he was elected to
the board of the Upshur-Gregg SWCD in 1970 and has served with great
distinction there for nearly 39 years; and
WHEREAS, This tireless and engaged citizen has represented
soil and water conservation districts on other boards and
committees; he has helped promote the Southern Regional Forestry
Contest in neighboring states, and he played an important part in
establishing the Region IV State Wildlife Clinic; and
WHEREAS, The exemplary service of Mr. Wilkins has garnered a
congratulatory letter from President George W. Bush and a
Distinguished Service Award from the East Texas Council of
Governments among many other awards and recognitions; he also
shares much of the credit for the two Goodyear Awards won by the
Upshur-Gregg SWCD in 1995 and 1999; and
WHEREAS, George Wilkins has dedicated his life to preserving
the soil and water of Texas, first during his career as a builder of
reservoirs, and then for nearly four decades more as a citizen
advocate with the Upshur-Gregg Soil and Water Conservation
District; his long and unwavering commitment to conservation has
greatly benefited his fellow Texans, and he may indeed take great
pride in his outstanding record of service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate George W. Wilkins on the occasion
of his retirement from the board of directors of the Upshur-Gregg
Soil and Water Conservation District and extend to him sincere best
wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Wilkins as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Hughes
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 683 was adopted by the House on March
2, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House