SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 207 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Jose Maria Gonzalez Jr. for 46 years of exemplary service with King Ranch, Incorporated; and WHEREAS, A native of Raymondville, Jose Gonzalez was born into a hardworking migrant family; he left his studies at Raymondville High School to help provide for his family as a migrant laborer, and he was hired at the Norias Division of King Ranch a few months before his 19th birthday; and WHEREAS, Jose was proud to contribute to the success of the iconic ranch, and he met his life's love, Celestina Deluna, while working there; the two married and raised their three children at the ranch, and today, they are the proud grandparents of a cherished granddaughter; and WHEREAS, Jose served in Support Services for the Norias Division of the ranch throughout his career; he helped maintain agricultural structures, manage prescribed burns, and provide groundskeeping and groundwater services; after earning his general educational development diploma in 1998, he obtained his Class C Water Systems Operator License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; he also was able to showcase his outstanding cooking skills in his part-time role with the family and shareholders of the ranch, Groves-Alexander, LLC, which allowed him opportunities to cook for many notable individuals, such as Jay Novacek, Princess Elena of Spain, and his all-time favorite actor, Robert Duvall; and WHEREAS, Jose Gonzalez has been a cherished presence at the King Ranch and an invaluable asset to a proud Texas business; he can reflect with pride on his lifelong career as he looks forward to the retirement years ahead; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby commend Jose Gonzalez on his outstanding career of service at the Lone Star State's most celebrated ranch and extend to him best wishes in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Lucio ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 29, 2021. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate