H.R. No. 1444
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of an admired coach and educator drew to a
close with the untimely passing of Tommy Lee Grace of Graham on July
7, 2016, at the age of 63; and
WHEREAS, A native of Odessa, Tommy Grace was born on October
15, 1952, to Albert Thomas Grace Jr. and Myra Grace; he graduated
from Gordon High School and served his country as a member of the
United States Army during the Vietnam War before earning a master's
degree from Tarleton State University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Grace enjoyed a notable tenure with the Graham
Independent School District that spanned more than two decades; in
addition to coaching football, boys' and girls' basketball, track,
and golf, he served as the boys' athletic director and taught
science at Graham Junior High School; active in his professional
community, he was a member of the Texas High School Coaches
Association and the Coaches Outreach ministry; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan married the love of his life,
the former Debra Strain, on December 23, 1972, and the couple
nurtured a rewarding union that was blessed with two children,
Kelley and Jeff, and five grandchildren, Logan, Ryan, Joshua,
Hattie Belle, and Kyle; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Grace lived a rich and purposeful life, and
memories of his devotion to his family, his students, and his
community will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Tommy Lee Grace and
extend sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Debra Grace; to his children, Kelley Schmidt and her husband,
Andrew, and Jeff Grace and his wife, Jessica; to his grandchildren,
Logan, Ryan, Joshua, and Hattie Belle Grace and Kyle Schmidt; to his
siblings, Jackie Corley and her husband, Benny, and Albert Grace
III and his wife, Linda; 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 Tommy Lee
Grace.
Springer
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1444 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 27, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House