H.R. No. 2041
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life dedicated to the service of his nation and his
community drew to a close with the death of former Hopkins County
sheriff Billy G. Dirks on March 27, 2015, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Born on January 12, 1934, to Dillard and Edna Dirks,
Billy Dirks grew up in Lamar County; he joined the United States Air
Force and then the army, serving in both the Korean and the Vietnam
Wars and earning the Bronze Star, among many other commendations;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dirks retired after 27 years of service to his
nation and moved to Sulphur Springs; he was hired by the Hopkins
County Sheriff's Office in the early 1980s, beginning an exemplary
tenure with the department that spanned 16 years; named chief
deputy in 1988, he was appointed sheriff two years later and was
elected to a full term in 1992, earning the distinction of being the
county's first African American sheriff; he subsequently worked as
the director of the alternative school at the North Hopkins County
School; and
WHEREAS, A man of deep religious faith, Mr. Dirks was a
longtime member of the MLK Church of Christ; in all his endeavors,
he enjoyed the love and support of his wife, the former Delores
White, his children, Gia, Tracie, and Derek, and his five
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man, an outstanding public servant,
and an inspiring mentor, Billy Dirks earned the admiration of all
who knew him, and he leaves behind a record of service that his
loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Billy G. Dirks and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Delores Dirks; to his children, Gia Pleasant and her husband,
Charles, Tracie Rand and her husband, Tony, and Derek Dirks; to his
five 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 Billy
G. Dirks.
Flynn
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2041 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 21, 2015.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House