82R5210 JNC-D
By: Giddings H.R. No. 147
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of North Texas lost a beloved neighbor and
an admired community leader with the passing of Dan S. Petty of
Dallas on January 11, 2011, at the age of 71; and
WHEREAS, A native of Texarkana, Mr. Petty attended The
University of Texas at Austin on a football scholarship, graduating
with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering; he went on to earn
master's degrees in government administration from the Fels
Institute of Government at the Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania, in public administration from UT, and in electronic
commerce from the University of Dallas; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Petty contributed to his fellow citizens through
a lifetime of purposeful endeavor; he held such public service
positions as assistant city manager of Lubbock and Dallas, director
of urban affairs for the North Central Texas Council of
Governments, director of public affairs for The University of
Texas, and executive assistant to Governor Preston Smith; and
WHEREAS, The wise counsel of Mr. Petty further benefited the
Dallas Chamber of Commerce, which he served as president, as well as
the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Texas Economic
Development Council, State Fair of Texas, and Cotton Bowl Athletic
Association; in addition, as a member of the Super Bowl Bidding
Committee, he played an instrumental role in bringing the 2011
Super Bowl to North Texas; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Petty's distinguished career included tenures
as president of Henry S. Miller/Grubb & Ellis Commercial Realtors,
the Woodbine Development Corporation/Hunt Realty Services, and
Wilcox Realty Group; for nearly two decades, he led the North Texas
Commission, serving as president and CEO of the nonprofit group
that unites businesses, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and
higher education institutions to network and collaborate in
addressing regional topics and issues; and
WHEREAS, Active in a number of worthwhile civic
organizations, Mr. Petty shared his time with the Museum of
African-American Life and Culture, American Cancer Society, Cattle
Baron's Ball, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Kindness Foundation, and
Dallas County Children's Services Task Force; moreover, he paid
tribute to our nation's troops by helping to create the Welcome Home
a Hero program at DFW International Airport; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan earned many accolades for his
dedicated service; named a Texas High School Distinguished Alumnus,
he was also honored with the Dreamers, Doers and Unsung Heroes
Award, William J. Pitstick Regional Excellence Award, and Award for
Excellence in Community Service; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Petty enjoyed the
support of a loving family that included his wife, Mary Jane, his
children, Adrienne and Kent, his stepchildren, Maggie and Robert,
and his seven grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Known for his vision, honesty, and unflagging
generosity, Dan Petty made a positive difference in the lives of
countless people, and he leaves behind a legacy that will continue
to resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dan S. Petty and
extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife,
Mary Jane Petty; to his children, Adrienne Watson and her husband,
Chas, and Kent Petty and his wife, Jennifer; to his stepchildren,
Maggie Culbertson and her husband, Geoff, and Robert Riley; to his
seven grandchildren; and to his other relatives and 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 Dan S.
Petty.