H.R. No. 816 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, A 50th wedding anniversary marks a lifetime of love and shared experiences, and William C. and Patricia A. Southerland of Midland celebrated this joyous milestone in their marriage on January 24, 2009; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Southerland were joined in matrimony in 1959 at a ceremony held in Waurika, Oklahoma; they lived in Venice, Louisiana, and Hobbs, New Mexico, before moving to Texas, where they have lived in Pampa and Midland; through the years, they have been blessed with a treasured family that includes three children and six grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Respected members of their community, Mr. Southerland worked for Getty Oil for 25 years and for Texaco for 7 years, and Mrs. Southerland is a retired elementary school teacher; and WHEREAS, They are valued members of the First Baptist Church and the John Sunday School Department; Mr. Southerland is also active with the Barbershop Harmony Society and the Midland Downtown Lion's Club; Mrs. Southerland is a member of the Midland Association of Retired School Personnel, the Midland Women's Club, Republican Women, the Santa Rita Club, Kappa Kappa Iota, and Delta Kappa Gamma, and she serves on the Community Concerts board; and WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Southerland have enjoyed five decades of abiding love and affection for one another, and they are among an exceptional group of men and women who can claim such a lasting commitment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby congratulate William and Patricia Southerland on their golden wedding anniversary and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. and Mrs. Southerland as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Craddick ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 816 was adopted by the House on March 26, 2009, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House