87S21127 CJM-D
By: Cook H.R. No. 106
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Tarrant County are mourning the loss of
former state representative Toby Ray Goodman of Mansfield, who
passed away on July 18, 2021, at the age of 72; and
WHEREAS, Born to Dobbie and Johnnie Goodman in Wichita Falls
on November 2, 1948, Toby Goodman grew up with four younger
siblings, Mike, DeDe, Gary, and Joe; he graduated from Texas
Christian University and went on to earn his law degree at Baylor
University; in 1974, he was hired as an assistant city attorney in
Arlington, and three years later, he entered private practice in
family law; in the course of his career, he established the firm of
Goodman & Clark and taught as an adjunct professor at The University
of Texas at Arlington; devoted to his profession, he served as a
director of both the Arlington Bar Association and the Tarrant
County Family Law Bar Association, and he was a Fellow and Life
Member of the Texas Bar Foundation; and
WHEREAS, This dedicated public servant was first elected to
the Texas House in 1990, and his tenure in the state legislature
ultimately spanned 16 years, from 1991 to 2007; drawing on his
professional experience, he distinguished himself as chair of the
Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee for four of his eight
terms in office; his tireless efforts to reform the juvenile
justice system led to sweeping changes that were emulated across
the country, and he was instrumental in rewriting the Texas Family
Code; moreover, he championed the rise of UTA as a Tier 1
institution, helping the university to attain support for
development, research, and building construction; his leadership
also benefited the Governor's Juvenile Justice Task Force and the
Attorney General's School Violence Task Force, as well as the
Tarrant County Civil Justice Task Force; known for his
collegiality, intellect, and problem-solving ability, he achieved
positive results through a strong work ethic and quiet
determination; and
WHEREAS, After leaving office, Mr. Goodman continued to
advocate for children, and he was a longtime member of the Greater
Arlington Chamber of Commerce, which presented him with its 2016
Star Award; his other honors included being named Legislator of the
Year five times by Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates for
Children, and he also received that honor from the National Child
Support Enforcement Association and the Texas Council of Child
Welfare Boards; in addition, he was selected as one of the state's
Ten Best Legislators by Texas Monthly and as an Honorary
Distinguished Alumni by UTA; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Goodman and his wife, Gloria, shared a
fulfilling marriage of 38 years; he took great pride in his three
children, Brian, Lauri, and Christie, and in his four
grandchildren, Kaleigh, Abbie, Jordan, and Jackson; in his free
time, he enjoyed cheering on the TCU football team, traveling,
researching history, and telling stories, but nothing gave him more
pleasure than helping others; his wonderful sense of humor and
contagious laugh brightened the days of innumerable people; and
WHEREAS, Through his commitment to benefiting children and
families, Toby Goodman made a lasting, positive difference in the
lives of countless Texans, and although he will be deeply missed by
those he left behind, his contributions will continue to resonate
in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
the Honorable Toby Ray Goodman and extend sincere condolences to
all who mourn his passing; 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 Toby
Goodman.