86R10949 CW-D
By: Shine H.R. No. 349
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of a beloved figure in the Temple and
Houston sports communities drew to a close with the passing of Gene
Pemberton on January 27, 2019, at the age of 79; and
WHEREAS, The son of E. M. and Aleyne Pemberton, Gene
Pemberton was born in Cameron on October 27, 1939, and he grew up
with the companionship of two siblings, Stanton and Cheryl; he
graduated from Temple High School and Temple Junior College and
earned a business administration degree from Hardin-Simmons
University in 1962; after joining the American Desk Manufacturing
Company, he rose to the positions of vice president of marketing and
director of special projects during his 31-year tenure with the
company; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated sports fan, Mr. Pemberton officiated
basketball and football games, and in 1984 he was awarded lifetime
membership in the Southwest Basketball Officials Association; he
entered the sports broadcast booth in 1986, embarking on a storied
career as the voice of the Temple High School Wildcats football team
that spanned 28 years; providing color commentary for KTEM
NewsRadio 14, Mr. Pemberton partnered with Mark McLain on the
broadcasts, and the pair garnered numerous accolades, including a
prestigious Katie Award from the Press Club of Dallas in 1993;
Mr. Pemberton gave his final broadcast in 2014, detailing the
Wildcats' runner-up finish in the 5A Division 1 state championship
game; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Pemberton joined the Houston Astros
organization in 1994 and initially held the title of director of
community development; in 1997, he was named the team's chaplain,
becoming the first person in Major League Baseball to hold such a
position on a full-time basis; he remained with the club until 2011,
and in the course of his service, he helped develop numerous
outreach initiatives and formed a close bond with numerous players;
and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Pemberton enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Mary Holick Pemberton, and they shared a
rewarding marriage that spanned 55 years before her passing; he
took great pride in his three children, Gary, Allen, and Lisa, and
he had the pleasure of welcoming into his family five
grandchildren, Brandon, Andrew, Jeffrey, Elisabeth, and Emalye; a
valued member of his community, Mr. Pemberton was involved with
numerous civic activities and served as a deacon at Bethel Church of
the Assemblies of God; and
WHEREAS, Gene Pemberton lived a rich and purposeful life
centered on his family, his faith, and his deep love of sports, and
he will long be remembered and admired by all those who had the good
fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gene Pemberton and
extend heartfelt sympathy to his relatives 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 Gene
Pemberton.