85R10331 BPG-D
By: Davis of Dallas H.R. No. 356
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The City of Dallas lost an esteemed civic leader
with the passing of former Dallas Independent School Board
president Hollis Brashear on February 5, 2016, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Born in 1935, Hollis Brashear grew up in southern
Dallas during segregation; he spent summers as a boy picking cotton
to help support his family and worked as a janitor at Prairie View
A&M University while completing his bachelor's degree in civil
engineering; subsequently, he completed a master's degree at
Oklahoma State University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brashear was commissioned as a second
lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and commanded a
combat engineer company near the demilitarized zone in Korea; he
went on to serve in France and in the Vietnam War, earning many
decorations, among them two Bronze Stars; in 1979, he concluded a
distinguished military career that spanned 21 years and returned to
his hometown, where he served as director of the City of Dallas
Building Services Department; he also managed the Dallas office of
the Williams, Russell, and Johnson engineering firm and founded HNB
Consulting Engineers; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brashear won a seat on the Dallas ISD board in
1992 and became a strong voice for the educational needs of minority
children; he was twice elected president and provided calm
leadership during a contentious period; moreover, he was a mentor
and role model to other African American public officials; further
benefiting his community, he gave of his time and expertise to such
organizations as the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, The University
of Texas at Dallas development board, the Dallas County Appraisal
District board, and the Dallas Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from the school board in 2006,
Mr. Brashear remained active in educational matters while serving
as the caregiver for his beloved wife, Minnie, who passed away in
2014; he was the devoted father of Enez Brashear and Teresa
Brashear-Briscoe; and
WHEREAS, Hollis Brashear made a meaningful difference in the
lives of his loved ones and fellow citizens alike, and he will be
remembered with admiration and affection by all who were fortunate
enough 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 Hollis Brashear and
extend deepest sympathy to those 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 Hollis
Brashear.