SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 290
In Memory
of
Bobby Joe Morrow
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of Bobby Joe Morrow, an esteemed Texas
citizen and a world-champion athlete, who died May 30, 2020, at
the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, A native of Rangerville, Bobby Morrow was born on
October 15, 1935, and he grew up on his family's cotton and carrot
farm in the Rio Grande Valley; he was a naturally gifted runner,
and he excelled on the football team and as a track and field
athlete at San Benito High School, where he gained nationwide
attention as a three-time state champion sprinter; and
WHEREAS, Bobby was known for his natural physical poise on
the track and for his fluid running style, and he honed his skills
and talent at Abilene Christian University under the guidance of
the late Coach Oliver Jackson; he won the Amateur Athletic Union
championship for the 100-yard dash as a freshman in 1955, and he
and his teammates broke or matched 10 world records; and
WHEREAS, Bobby represented the United States at the 1956
Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, where he won gold medals in the
100-meter and 200-meter sprints and in the 400-meter relay, and
he was the first American sprinter since Jesse Owens in 1936 to
earn a gold medal in all three events; he returned home a hero and
received numerous accolades for his athletic achievements,
including recognition as the 1956 Sportsman of the Year by Sports
Illustrated magazine and as One of the Nine Greatest Living
Americans by the United States Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, After retiring as an athlete, Bobby returned to
the Rio Grande Valley, and he enjoyed a quiet life in San Benito,
where the school district's football stadium was named in his
honor; he donated his Olympic gold medals with the hope of
inspiring others to pursue their dreams, and he occasionally gave
speeches and made public appearances; he preferred to live simply
and dedicate himself to his loved ones and his community, and he
remained humble and gracious throughout his life, despite his
impressive accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Bobby shared 20 years of devotion with his
longtime partner, Judy Parker; he was blessed with a son and two
daughters and with two stepdaughters, and his 11 grandchildren
and eight great-grandchildren were a source of much pride and joy
for him; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Morrow was a legendary figure in the world of
sports and a cherished Texan; while famous for his extraordinary
talent, he was also known for his loving and generous spirit, and he
will long be remembered with respect and admiration by all who were
privileged to share in his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Bobby Joe Morrow; 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 Bobby Morrow.
Lucio
Alvarado Hancock Paxton Alvarado Hancock Paxton
Alvarado Hancock Paxton
Bettencourt Hinojosa Perry Bettencourt Hinojosa Perry
Bettencourt Hinojosa Perry
Birdwell Huffman Powell Birdwell Huffman Powell
Birdwell Huffman Powell
Blanco Hughes Schwertner Blanco Hughes Schwertner
Blanco Hughes Schwertner
Buckingham Johnson Seliger Buckingham Johnson Seliger
Buckingham Johnson Seliger
Campbell Kolkhorst Springer Campbell Kolkhorst Springer
Campbell Kolkhorst Springer
Creighton Menéndez Taylor Creighton Menéndez Taylor
Creighton Menéndez Taylor
Eckhardt Miles West Eckhardt Miles West
Eckhardt Miles West
Gutierrez Nelson Whitmire Gutierrez Nelson Whitmire
Gutierrez Nelson Whitmire
Hall Nichols Zaffirini Hall Nichols Zaffirini
Hall Nichols Zaffirini
Patrick, President of the Senate
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 21, 2021, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
Alvarado Hancock Paxton
Bettencourt Hinojosa Perry
Birdwell Huffman Powell
Blanco Hughes Schwertner
Buckingham Johnson Seliger
Campbell Kolkhorst Springer
Creighton Menéndez Taylor
Eckhardt Miles West
Gutierrez Nelson Whitmire
Hall Nichols Zaffirini