SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1013
In Memory
of
Richard F. Williamson
WHEREAS, The citizens of Texas lost a passionate leader and
dynamic trailblazer with the death of Richard F. "Ric" Williamson
on December 30, 2007, at the age of 55; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was a brilliant and visionary
leader whose extraordinary efforts on behalf of this state were
as grand as Texas itself; a man who cared deeply about the
well-being of his community and his state, he epitomized the
"Spirit of Texas" with his bold ideas for the betterment of this
state and his wholehearted efforts to put them into practice; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 25, 1952, in Abilene, Mr.
Williamson attended The University of Texas in Austin, where he
married a fellow Longhorn, Mary Ann Welsch, in 1973 and earned
his bachelor's degree in 1974; the couple settled in Weatherford
and raised three beautiful daughters, Melissa, Katherine, and
Sara, and they had two grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was an avid hunter and a devoted
fan of women's fast-pitch softball; he was a cofounder of RAW
Energy, and he and his wife established MKS Consulting
Corporation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson began his service to the State of
Texas in 1985 when he was elected to the Texas House of
Representatives, where he served for 14 years; and
WHEREAS, While serving as Vice Chairman of the
Appropriations Committee, Mr. Williamson, a proponent of
performance budgeting, became fondly known as one of the "Pit
Bulls," conservative lawmakers who seriously questioned state
spending practices; and
WHEREAS, Professional and legislative accomplishments
earned Mr. Williamson many awards through the years; he was
particularly proud of his recognition by Texas Monthly magazine
in both 1989 and 1991 as one of Texas' "Ten Best Legislators"; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Mr. Williamson was appointed to serve on
the Texas Transportation Commission, and in January of 2004, he
became chairman of the commission, a position he held until his
death; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was a longtime close friend and
trusted advisor to Governor Rick Perry, and he contributed
immeasurably to the growth and progress of the state through his
dedication to public service, his ambitious and farsighted
planning, and his steadfast leadership; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby honor the memory of Ric Williamson, a great
Texan and a cherished friend to many, whose legacy will continue
to shape the state's infrastructure and inspire the lives of
others for years to come; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so
in memory of Richard F. "Ric" Williamson.
Ogden
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 29, 2009, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate