H.R. No. 298
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A full and productive life drew to a close with the
passing of Dr. Charles B. Runnels on October 25, 2016, at the age of
91; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 30, 1925, Dr. Runnels was raised in
Texas; he enrolled at Stephen F. Austin University at the age of 16
and went on to receive his bachelor's degree from that institution;
answering his nation's call to duty, he served in the United States
Navy for four years, including one year with the Navy Air Corps in
the Asian theater of World War II; he completed law school at the
University of Houston in 1956 and then went to work for Tenneco; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Dr. Runnels joined the site selection
committee for Pepperdine University, then known as George
Pepperdine College; the two-year assignment turned into a lifelong
career with the California-based school, which included more than
two decades as chancellor; his responsibilities included service as
the university's chief fund-raiser, and he coordinated successful
campaigns that brought in hundreds of millions of dollars in
contributions; he also founded the Youth Citizenship Seminar that
annually brought high school students to the campus to explore such
subjects as leadership, faith, and free enterprise; he was named
chancellor emeritus of Pepperdine in 2006, and he continued to be
involved with the university's board in the years that followed;
and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his long-standing efforts in
behalf of Pepperdine, Dr. Runnels was honored in 2010 with the
dedication of the university's athletic complex as the Charles B.
Runnels Sports and Recreation Village, and he also received an
honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the university's Seaver
College; and
WHEREAS, A man of strong faith, Dr. Runnels was a lifelong
member of the Churches of Christ, and he played an active role at
Culver Palms Church of Christ, where he was an elder; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Runnels was blessed with
the love and support of his wife, Amy Jo; he was a proud father of
three sons, Duke Runnels, Tyler Runnels, and the late Raleigh
Runnels, and a daughter, Susan Runnels Plumb, and he later saw his
family grow to include six grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to helping young people develop into
productive citizens, Dr. Charles B. Runnels made a positive
difference in many lives, and his dedication to education and his
unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who had the good
fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Charles B.
Runnels and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his
passing; 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
Dr. Charles B. Runnels.
Clardy
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 298 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on February 23, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House