SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1026
In Memory
of
Jere J. Ruff
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the
citizens of Longview in mourning the loss of Jere J. Ruff, who
died September 14, 2009, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Jere J. Ruff was born December 26, 1935; he was a
1953 graduate of Longview High School and went on to earn a
bachelor of business administration degree from Southern
Methodist University; and
WHEREAS, Upon earning his real estate broker's license, he
joined his father at Ruff Realtors; he later achieved designation
as a certified commercial investment member, a title achieved by
only six percent of commercial real estate practitioners, and
managed the operation of his company for more than 45 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his work in the real estate
industry, Mr. Ruff served as vice president of the First State
Bank of Hallsville, where he was a member of the board of
directors and the loan committee; and
WHEREAS, Active in civic affairs, he served on the boards
of Juliette Fowler Homes, the Longview Christian Retirement
Center, the National Benevolent Association of Christian
Churches, and the Longview Regional Medical Center; he was
dedicated to education and served on the board and development
council of The University of Texas at Tyler and was appointed by
Governor Bill Clements to the board of regents of Texas State
Technical College, where he also served as chairman; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ruff worked diligently to bring better roads
to Longview and Gregg County and received the Road Hand Award
from the Texas Department of Transportation; he was committed to
his hometown and served as president of the Longview Partnership;
and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced his faith in his
daily life, he was a lifetime member of First Christian Church of
Longview and a 40-year member of Dr. Kenneth McKinley's Community
Bible Class; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he
gave generously to others, and his wisdom, warmth, and valued
counsel will not be forgotten by those who knew him; and
WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured
forever by his family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Jere J. Ruff; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Jere J. Ruff.
Eltife
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 17, 2011, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate