87S30643 CW-D
By: Martinez H.R. No. 64
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of a legendary University of Texas football
player drew to a close with the passing of Bobby Lee Lackey of
Weslaco on September 2, 2021, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Lackey was born on October 14, 1937, to
Charles and Rosie Lackey; he grew up in Weslaco, where he was an
all-state signal caller for the high school football team, leading
the Panthers to the state semifinals in 1955; he was also all-state
in basketball and excelled on the baseball diamond as well; and
WHEREAS, Continuing his gridiron career at The University of
Texas at Austin, Mr. Lackey started at quarterback under head coach
Darrell Royal; in 1958, he was the hero in a dramatic 15-14 victory
over the University of Oklahoma, throwing the tying touchdown pass,
kicking the go-ahead extra point, and sealing the outcome with an
interception on the Sooners' final drive that snapped their
six-game winning streak over UT; still in uniform after the game, he
was photographed with his wife, the former Judy McManus, and the
image later graced the cover of Sports Illustrated; the following
season, he sparked UT to a share of the Southwest Conference crown;
and
WHEREAS, In 1960, Mr. Lackey signed with the Pittsburgh
Steelers, though he ultimately opted not to play professionally; he
returned home to South Texas, where he and Mrs. Lackey began
raising their family; he embarked on a business career, working for
his father-in-law at the J. S. McManus Produce Company, which he
eventually owned and operated; he also presided over the Texas
Fruit and Vegetable Association, held a longtime seat on the
Freeport-McMoRan board, and opened the Lackey-Fisher Chevrolet
dealership with his brother Joe; he retired in 2001; and
WHEREAS, A prominent figure in the community, Mr. Lackey
served on the Weslaco City Council and the Weslaco Independent
School District board, which named its gymnasium and football
stadium in his honor; he was recognized as the Man of the Year in
Weslaco, and he was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor,
the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame, and the Texas High School
Football Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Lackey shared a rewarding marriage
that spanned 63 years until her death in 2020; Mr. Lackey took great
pride in his children, John, Lissa, and Mindy, and in his 9
grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Bobby Lackey distinguished himself as a gifted
athlete, an accomplished business and civic leader, and a devoted
family man, and his achievements will be admired for many years to
come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Bobby Lee Lackey and extend heartfelt sympathy 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 Bobby
Lackey.