82R22353 BPG-F
By: Martinez H.R. No. 1515
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Rio Grande Valley lost a visionary civic leader
with the death of William Summers of Weslaco on November 30, 2009,
at the age of 71; and
WHEREAS, Born in Wharton, Bill Summers graduated from Donna
High School and attended Pan American University on a track
scholarship; he served his country in the United States Army and
then enlisted in the National Guard, rising to the rank of staff
sergeant; in 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, the
former Jo Jeanette Gray, and they went on to become the proud
parents of two sons, Randall and Michael; eventually, Mr. and Mrs.
Summers shared in the joy of welcoming four grandchildren into
their family; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Summers distinguished himself during a career in
public relations and banking; in 1987, he became president and
chief executive officer of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, a
regional chamber of commerce promoting opportunities for area
citizens and enterprises; he encouraged local governments,
economic development organizations, and chambers to collaborate
for the promotion of the region as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Under his skillful guidance, the Rio Grande Valley
Partnership became the first Texas chamber of commerce to establish
an office in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Mr. Summers fostered
communication among business leaders and officials on both sides of
the border; he coordinated the Rio Grande Valley Mobility Task
Force, which has brought more than $500 million in transportation
funding to the area; in addition, he facilitated one of three Rural
Empowerment Zones, resulting in a $40 million award from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture; and
WHEREAS, This dynamic Texan also became a pioneer in the tort
reform movement; he founded and administered Citizens Against
Lawsuit Abuse, which grew to become a nationwide organization; and
WHEREAS, Giving generously of his time and talents, Mr.
Summers served as president of the Weslaco school board, the
Weslaco Lions Club, and the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce; the city
named him Man of the Year in 1974 and Outstanding Citizen in 1980,
and in 2009, a section of Texas Farm-to-Market Road 1015 in Weslaco
was named the Bill Summers International Boulevard in recognition
of his myriad contributions; among other accolades that Mr. Summers
received were the Civil Justice Appreciation Award from the Texas
Civil Justice League, the Russell H. Perry Award from the Texas
Department of Transportation, and the Legal Watchdog Award from the
American Tort Reform Association; and
WHEREAS, Through his knowledge, skill, and tireless
dedication, Bill Summers made a tremendous impact on the growth and
economic development of the Rio Grande Valley, and his devotion to
his community and his family remains a lasting inspiration to those
who were privileged to share in his love and friendship; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of William "Bill"
Summers and extend sincere condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Jo Summers; to his sons, Mike Summers and Randy
Summers and his wife, Alma; to his grandsons, Scott, Kevin, Jacob,
and William Summers; 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 Bill
Summers.