82R4954 RYA-D
By: Hilderbran H.R. No. 244
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Countless lives were touched by the kindness and
generosity of Robert R. Woodward of Kerrville, who passed away on
August 30, 2010, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Born in Houston on July 13, 1927, to Harley and Grace
Woodward, Mr. Woodward spent much of his childhood in Houston and at
Valdina Farms, his grandfather Emerson F. Woodward's ranch, located
near Sabinal and Hondo; following his graduation from Texas
Military Institute during World War II, Bob Woodward answered his
nation's call to duty and volunteered for the United States Navy; he
served through the end of the war, and after his discharge he
enrolled at Texas A&M University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Woodward began his successful career in ranching
when he was called away from college to run Valdina Farms; in
addition to being a rancher and businessman, he was also a respected
Bible teacher and author, whose commentaries on the New Testament
went through several printings; Abilene Christian University
recognized his efforts in 1987, when it awarded him an honorary
doctor of Christian service degree; and
WHEREAS, A man of strong Christian principles, Mr. Woodward
continued his family's tradition of philanthropy by contributing to
many worthy causes, including children's homes and churches; he
demonstrated his passion for Christian education when, in honor of
his mother, he established the Grace L. Woodward Memorial Endowment
Trust at Abilene Christian University; presented to the College of
Biblical Studies in 1998, the $26.5 million gift was the largest
single endowment in the university's history, and it has made a
significant impact on the college; and
WHEREAS, In all of his endeavors, Mr. Woodward enjoyed the
love and companionship of his wife, Mary, to whom he was married for
35 rewarding years; he was blessed with four daughters, Beverly,
Barbara, Bobbie, and Bethe, and his life was further enriched by his
two stepsons, Bill and Tom, as well as by his grandchildren,
step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Bob Woodward lived a rich and purposeful life
centered around his faith and his family, and he will long be
remembered with deep affection by all who knew him; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Robert R. Woodward
and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Mary Woodward; to his daughters, Beverly Starr and her
husband, Neal, Barbara White and her husband, Keith, Bobbie Jones
and her husband, Carl, and Bethe Deal and her husband, Scott; to his
stepsons, Bill H. Soyars and his wife, Deanna, and Tom Soyars and
his wife, Martha; to his 8 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and
10 great-grandchildren; 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 Robert R.
Woodward.