85R8826 BPG-D
By: Darby H.R. No. 901
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature lost an admired alumnus with
the passing of former state senator William McKinnie Sims of Paint
Rock on August 29, 2016, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Born to Benjamin and Ellen Sims on January 27, 1932,
Bill Sims grew up in Paint Rock with his two brothers, Dunlap and
Ben, and his sister, Kay; he graduated from Texas Tech University
and served the Texas Agricultural Extension Service as assistant
county agent for Howard County and as county agent for Irion County;
in 1966, he became executive secretary for the Texas Sheep and Goat
Raisers' Association, and he continued to hold that office for the
next three decades; and
WHEREAS, Senator Sims was elected in 1982 to represent a vast
district that ultimately covered 59 counties in West and Central
Texas; during his four terms in office, he was involved with
legislation addressing many rural and agricultural issues,
including bovine tuberculosis, livestock theft, and fire ant,
predator, and rabies control; he authored the bills that created
the Texas Brush Control Program and the Texas Boll Weevil
Eradication Foundation, which helped to virtually eliminate the
destructive pest in Texas; moreover, he sponsored the bill
reauthorizing the Texas Animal Health Commission; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Senator Sims was a staunch
champion for his constituents and an effective advocate for the
Paint Rock Independent School District; he retired in 1997, and
that same year, he received the Texas A&M Distinguished Texan in
Agriculture Award; the Wool and Mohair Research Laboratory at the
Texas A&M Research and Extension Center in San Angelo was named in
his honor in 2010; and
WHEREAS, A tough negotiator and a consummate statesman,
Senator Sims valued cooperation and listened to all viewpoints
before reaching a decision; his good cheer, collegiality, and
wonderful sense of humor brought him many lasting friendships;
above all, he was devoted to his family, including his wife of 61
years, Sue, his children, Billy and Sue Ann, and his grandchildren
and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Through his dedicated public service, Bill Sims made
a lasting, positive impact on the State of Texas, and those who were
privileged to share in the richness of his life will forever
remember him with admiration and affection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of the Honorable Bill
Sims and extend sincere condolences to his family 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 William
McKinnie Sims.