H.R. No. 1972
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever treasure their
memories of Billy Ray Richardson of Angleton, who died on April 16,
2021, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Billy Richardson was born in Donie on February 6,
1934, to Eudene and Eldon Richardson, and he grew up in Freeport
with his brother, James; while still attending high school, he
worked for the Daily Review newspaper as a sports reporter,
photographer, and darkroom developer; he graduated with the last
class of Freeport High School in 1951, and, answering his nation's
call to duty, he served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps at the rank
of corporal during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, Returning to civilian life, Mr. Richardson resumed
his career in journalism, working as a sports reporter for the Daily
Facts-Review and as news editor for the Angleton Times, helping to
expand the paper into a five-day daily; in 1966, he started his own
business, Times Printers & Stationers in Angleton, and he continued
to cover local sports for the Houston Post, the Houston Chronicle,
and the Brazosport Facts; a leader in his community, he
participated in many civic organizations, and his contributions
were recognized with an award from United Way of Brazoria County and
the Pioneer Award from the Angleton Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Kind and generous, Mr. Richardson enjoyed talking
sports and politics over coffee, and he delighted in traveling and
spending time with his family; he shared a loving 65-year marriage
with his wife, Ottalie, and he took great pride in his three
children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A devoted family man and a respected journalist and
businessman, Billy Richardson will be deeply missed, but the
passage of time will never diminish the joy and love that he brought
into the lives of all who knew him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Billy Ray
Richardson and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his
family: to his wife, Ottalie Gormey Richardson; to his children,
Bill Richardson, David Richardson and his wife, Babette, and Kristi
Bentivegna and her husband, James; to his grandchildren, Brittney
Richardson, Brandon Richardson and his wife, Kelly, Davis
Richardson, Morgan Bentivegna, and Aidan Bentivegna; to his
great-grandchildren, Sarah and Hailyn Richardson; and to his other
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 Billy
Richardson.
Vasut
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1972 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 31, 2021.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House