85S12278 JGH-D
By: Faircloth H.R. No. 281
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Galveston community has lost a distinguished
civic leader with the passing of George Frederick Black on July 30,
2017, at the age of 70; and
WHEREAS, George Black was born on Galveston Island on June
30, 1947, to Peter Paul and Marcelle Gangl, and he was adopted at
birth by Ellis Julian and Alvenia Augusta Schmiech Black; he
graduated from Ball High School and attended Alvin Junior College
and Texas A&M University; and
WHEREAS, After beginning his career as a computer programmer
at First Hutchings-Sealy National Bank and American National
Insurance Company, Mr. Black went on to purchase several apartment
complexes, a Baskin-Robbins franchise, and a corner grocery store;
he later helped found the Robert Shields and Associates information
technology staffing firm, and after Mr. Shields died, Mr. Black
took over the business, expanding it into a new company, 3coast,
which he served as president and CEO until his death; and
WHEREAS, A proud lifelong resident of the island, Mr. Black
gave generously of his time and talents to his beloved community;
active in the Jaycees for 18 years, he served as a Jaycee
International Senator and won recognition as Most Outstanding Local
President in 1976; he was also president of the Kiwanis Club, a 32nd
degree Mason, and a member of the Galveston Scottish Rite; he served
on the City of Galveston's Charter Review Committee and on the
President's Cabinet and Institutional Audit Committee of The
University of Texas Medical Branch, and he was vice president of the
Community Arts Council and a 13-year member of the Galveston
College Board of Regents; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black took particular pleasure in his 20-year
association with the Galveston Mardi Gras; he served as krewe
captain and King of Gambrinus in the Krewe of Gambrinus and as
marshal of the Krewe of Munchkins Parade and of the inaugural
Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade; his extensive contributions to
the festival were recognized with the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras
Award in 2014; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black was also a longtime leader in the Boy
Scouts of America, first as scoutmaster of his son's troop and then
as Island District chairman, member of the Bay Area Council,
Assistant National Boy Scout Jamboree Master, and Philmont Trek
Master; he earned one of scouting's highest honors, the Silver
Beaver Award, from the Bay Area Council; and
WHEREAS, Imbued with a strong religious faith, Mr. Black was
an active member of First Lutheran Church, where he played a vital
role in the congregation's annual Island Oktoberfest as general
chair and as chair for entertainment and sponsorships; he also
assisted with the church's capital campaigns, served as a trustee
for the endowment fund and as president of the vestry, and helped
establish the Fanfare! Lutheran Music Academy for underprivileged
young people; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black was the devoted husband of Sherry Black,
his wife of more than 46 years, and the proud father of a son,
Joshua; as an adult, he sought out his birth family and discovered
that he had two brothers, Donal Gangl and David Baker, and two
sisters, Judy Kiker and Paula Yetter; he delighted in the time he
spent hunting and fishing with family and friends, and he and his
wife enjoyed traveling, especially to Australia, Mexico, Turkey,
Hawaii, and Canada; he held season tickets to the Houston Astros and
the Houston Texans, which he generously shared with his friends and
with local charities; and
WHEREAS, For most of his life, George Black wore a ring that
read BOI, for "Born on the Island"; the memory of his boundless
devotion to his community and his tireless efforts in its behalf
will forever illuminate the hearts of all who knew and loved him;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
George Frederick Black and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members
of his family and to all 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 George
Frederick Black.