85S11024 JGH-D
By: Wilson H.R. No. 158
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The 100th birthday of an esteemed Texan is truly
cause for celebration, and James Alton Caffey marked that special
milestone on June 29, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Caffey is the descendant of Irish immigrants who
left the province of Ulster for Maryland in 1720, and throughout the
following century, members of his family lived in North Carolina
and Alabama before settling in Milam County in the 1870s; and
WHEREAS, The son of James Arthur and Bessie Idell Caffey,
Alton Caffey was born near Rockdale in 1917 and grew up doing farm
work in Milam County and later in West Texas; in 1938, he went to
Houston in search of new opportunities and soon thereafter began a
career as a machinist with the Hughes Tool Company that lasted for
the next 35 years; and
WHEREAS, On April 3, 1940, Mr. Caffey was joined in matrimony
to the love of his life, the former Nancy Evelyn Overman, and their
marriage spanned more than six decades, before her passing in 2003;
over the years, the couple shared in the joy of raising two sons,
Charles and Stanley; in 1980, they retired to Rockdale, where they
became actively involved in the community and tended a large,
one-acre garden; throughout his life, Mr. Caffey has delighted in
hunting, fishing, and spending time on the lakes and rivers of Texas
with his family; and
WHEREAS, After residing in Rockdale for more than three
decades, Mr. Caffey relocated to be closer to his son, Charles, and
today he lives in the Hill Country between Austin and Marble Falls;
and
WHEREAS, The wisdom and experience of centenarians are a
source of enduring inspiration, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor
Alton Caffey for having joined this elite group of Texans; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate James Alton
Caffey on his 100th birthday 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. Caffey as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.