SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 947
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the Honorable Ralph M. Hall for his outstanding service
to his community and to this state and nation; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Hall was born in Fate, Texas, a small town
in Rockwall County; in 1942, he joined the United States Navy,
and he served with distinction as an aircraft carrier pilot
during World War II; after the war, he earned a degree in law from
Southern Methodist University; and
WHEREAS, He maintained a successful law practice in Rockwall
for many years and was a highly successful business leader in the
community; he was a founder of Lakeside National Bank, and he
continues to serve as chair of the institution today; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hall's career in public service began at the
urging of his wife, Mary Ellen Murphy, and in 1950, he became the
Rockwall County Judge and was the youngest county judge in the
state; he went on to serve as a Texas State Senator for nine
years; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. Hall was elected to the United States
House of Representatives; throughout his 34 years in Congress, he
served as a member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology; during his tenure, he promoted science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in education and worked to
ensure America's place as a leader in research, development, and
space exploration; he was named chairman of the committee in
2011; and
WHEREAS, In November of 2012, Congressman Hall became the
oldest member in the House of Representatives to ever cast a
vote, and the following month, he became the oldest member in
recorded history to have served in the House; he remained
dedicated to his constituents throughout his years of service and
earned a reputation for excellence among his colleagues on
Capitol Hill; and
WHEREAS, A loving family man, Ralph Hall shared 64 years of
marriage with the late Mary Ellen Murphy, who was a source of
strength and support throughout their years together; they were
blessed with three sons, Hampton, Brett, and Blakeley, and five
grandchildren, who are a source of immense pride and joy; and
WHEREAS, Representative Hall concluded his tenure in the
House of Representatives in January of 2015; he was held in the
highest respect by his constituents throughout his distinguished
career, and his impressive legacy of service in the nation's
Capitol will remain a source of inspiration for future generations
of leaders; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby commend the Honorable Ralph M. Hall for his
exemplary life of service and his invaluable contributions to the
state and the nation and extend to him best wishes for the future;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Hall
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 21, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate