87R6991 CJM-D
By: Cole H.R. No. 22
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
a close with the passing of Berl Lawrence Handcox Sr. of Austin on
June 21, 2020, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Born in Denton on February 23, 1932, to R. D. and
Annie Vernell Handcox, Berl Handcox grew up with a brother, James;
after graduating from Fred Moore High School in 1949, he served in
the U.S. Navy during the Korean War; he subsequently attended
Prairie View A&M College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in
1961; while there, he met his future wife, the former Ruby L.
Hemphill; the couple went on to share 50 rewarding years of marriage
until her passing, and their cherished family grew to include three
sons, Gary, Ricky, and Berl, as well as seven grandchildren and
eight great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Handcox began his career as an educator and
coach at high schools in Sealy and College Station; he then worked
at the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos before moving to Austin
in 1964 and finding employment as an in-house education training
facilitator and a company recruiter with IBM; along the way, he
distinguished himself as not only a civic leader but as a
trailblazer in his community, becoming the first African American
elected to the Austin City Council since it adopted the
manager-council form of government; he ably represented his
constituents for two terms, from 1971 to 1975, focusing his efforts
on improving the quality of life in East Austin by revitalizing
infrastructure and addressing many other needs; and
WHEREAS, After his tenure on the council, Mr. Handcox was
appointed executive director of the Office of Equal Employment
Opportunity under Governor Dolph Briscoe; he then worked for
Motorola and the Texas Workforce Commission and became an
entrepreneur prior to his retirement; he also volunteered on
various boards throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, Berl Handcox gave freely of his time and expertise
to better his community, and he leaves behind a legacy that will
resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Berl Lawrence
Handcox Sr. and extend deepest sympathy to his loved ones; 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 Berl
Handcox.