SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 347
In Memory
of
Willis West Jr.
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Willis West Jr., who died March 1, 2019,
at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Willis West Jr. was an exemplary citizen who was
widely respected and admired in his community for his
achievements and his exceptionally generous spirit; and
WHEREAS, He was born on June 18, 1927, in Tulsa, Oklahoma,
to Willis West Sr. and Maggie Spears-West, and he attended public
schools in Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, He enlisted in the United States Army on January
10, 1946, and he served the nation with distinction as a member of
a reconnaissance car crew, which provides vital military
intelligence to the chain of command; he was stationed at Fort
George G. Meade in Maryland and received numerous awards and
citations, including the Vietnam Service Medal, the National
Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart; he received an
honorary medal for governance and leadership at the time of his
honorable discharge; and
WHEREAS, Mr. West was a longtime member of the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America; self-employed,
he secured contracts for businesses and home renovations and
served as a mentor to countless young carpenters; he retired in
1995 as a master carpenter; and
WHEREAS, He also established his own company as a licensed
vendor and sold fresh seafood and produce to small businesses and
area neighborhoods; he was known for giving away his merchandise
rather than see anyone go hungry; and
WHEREAS, Mr. West was blessed with a wonderful family; his
beloved wife of 49 years, Eunice, provided him invaluable support
in all his endeavors; his children, Kevin, Royce, Carnell, Willis,
Diane, and the late Larry, his stepchildren, James, Wayne, and
Kimberly, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren were
a source of much pride and joy for him; and
WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced his faith in his
daily life, he served as a deacon at Maple Springs Baptist Church
in Capital Heights, Maryland, and was a member of House of Praise
Ministries, and he took great pleasure in listening to gospel
music; and
WHEREAS, Willis West Jr. was a man of strength, kindness,
and wisdom; his forthrightness and his stern yet fair manner had
a profound impact on his family and on all those who were
privileged to share in his life; and
WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he
leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by his
family and many friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Willis West Jr.; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of Willis West Jr.
West
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 12, 2019, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate