84R21394 BPG-D
By: Davis of Dallas H.R. No. 1863
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of John
Edward Softly of DeSoto, who passed away on March 30, 2015, at the
age of 71; and
WHEREAS, The son of Ralph and Rose Ann Softly, John Softly was
born in Hearne on September 25, 1943; he attended Blackshire High
School, where he played football and basketball and sang in a
quartet; in 1964, he joined the United States Army, and he served
his country in the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, Following his discharge from the armed forces,
Mr. Softly returned to Texas and settled in Dallas; he was joined in
matrimony to Ermon L. Thompson, and they became the parents of a
daughter, Kendra; and
WHEREAS, Determined to continue his education, Mr. Softly
completed his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Bishop
College; he worked for the Dallas County Sheriff's Department and
the district attorney's office, and he later became a special
investigator; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, Mr. Softly exchanged wedding vows with
Mattie P. Thomas, and they shared a rewarding marriage until his
passing; he was a valued member of Antioch Missionary Baptist
Church, and in his leisure, he enjoyed travel, sports, helping
veterans, and spending time with his treasured family; and
WHEREAS, John Softly achieved a purposeful life of faith and
service, and those who were blessed to share in his love and
affection will forever hold him close in their hearts; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of John Edward Softly and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Mattie P. Thomas; to his children, Kendra Diane Softly,
Sabrina Worthy and her husband, Andre, Terri Thomas, and Kevin
Thomas and his wife, Joy; to his grandchildren, Mason, Chad,
Airell, Steven, Tessa, Ayo, and Kayla; to his sister, Dr. Mary H.
Softly-Welch; to his brothers, the Reverend Robert G. Softly and
his wife, Josephine, and Charles Softly and his wife, Carolyn; and
to his many 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 John Edward
Softly.