H.R. No. 116
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The retirement of Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV, proprietor
of Ralph's Records for more than 36 years, marks the end of an era
for the Lubbock music scene; and
WHEREAS, The son of Joseph Ralph DeWitt III and Norma DeWitt,
Ralph DeWitt was born in Houston in 1952; he spent some of his youth
in San Antonio and Chicago before graduating from Monterrey High
School in Lubbock; while studying business management at Texas Tech
University, he paid for his studies by working in a grocery store,
driving a cab, delivering newspapers, and working as a nightclub
DJ; he also honed his entrepreneurial skills by buying and selling
used cars, venturing into concert promotion, and investing in
residential and commercial properties; and
WHEREAS, Mr. DeWitt was also an avid record collector, and in
1980, he realized his dream of turning his hobby into a business; he
opened Ralph's Records in a small space on University Avenue, and
within two years, he was able to expand; for a time, he also ran
shops in Oklahoma City and Amarillo, as well as a second location in
Lubbock; the store has operated at its current 82nd Street address
since 1991; and
WHEREAS, Fostering a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that
customers loved, Mr. DeWitt always hired musicians and fellow music
fans and encouraged them to share their knowledge, ideas, and
opinions; the industry changed dramatically over the years, but he
was able to adapt, adding such items as CDs, DVDs, and video games;
all the while, he retained his allegiance to vinyl records, and he
was ready to take full advantage of the revival of the format in the
current decade; through the years, he has also been a steadfast
supporter of live music in the city; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Mr. DeWitt has benefited in
all his endeavors from the encouragement of his wife, Polly, his
children, Allison and Joey, and his mother, Norma, as well as his
four siblings; and
WHEREAS, Ralph DeWitt has set a sterling example of
entrepreneurship while making vital contributions to the Lubbock
music scene, and as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his
life, he may reflect with justifiable pride on his accomplishments;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his
retirement as proprietor of Ralph's Records and extend to him
sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. DeWitt as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Frullo
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 116 was adopted by the House on
January 25, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House