H.R. No. 1152
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A life lived with joy and purpose drew to a close
with the passing of Gene Graham on March 19, 2023, at the age of 90;
and
WHEREAS, The son of Talbert Edgar Graham and Jessie Vivian
McDaniel, Gene Graham was born in Raymondville on January 19, 1933;
he graduated from Raymondville High School in 1950 and earned a
degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University; answering
his nation's call to duty, he joined the United States Army, where
he served as a tank commander and rose to the rank of captain before
being honorably discharged; and
WHEREAS, Returning to civilian life, Mr. Graham worked for
the Texas Highway Department in South Texas and for the Heldenfels
Brothers Construction Company in Corpus Christi; he later moved to
North Padre Island and became president of Padre Isles Investment
Corporation, where he played an instrumental role in building the
Padre Isles Country Club; he went on to establish his own
construction company and worked as a real estate broker and land
developer, helping create several subdivisions in the Flour Bluff
and Chapman Ranch areas of Corpus Christi; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Graham and his wife, Veda, shared a fulfilling
union that spanned more than half a century before her passing in
2010; they became the parents of two children, Gary and Gail, as
well as a "bonus son," Alex, and the family later grew to include
numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; in all his
endeavors, Mr. Graham drew strength from his Christian beliefs, and
he made use of his engaging sense of humor and his gifts as a
storyteller to share his message of faith; and
WHEREAS, Those fortunate enough to have known Gene Graham
will remember the way he touched their lives with his generosity and
charm, and he will forever hold a treasured place in their hearts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gene Graham and
extend heartfelt condolences to the members of his family: to his
children, Gary Graham and his wife, Rachelle, and Gail Blair and her
husband, Howard; to his grandchildren, Trent Pruett and his wife,
Elise, Cody Blair and his wife, DeAnna, Kari Jacobs and her husband,
Paul, Shari Graham, Tyler Pruett, Mari Heckroth and her husband,
Keith, and Grace Graham; to his great-grandchildren; and to his
other relatives and many friends; 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 Gene
Graham.
Hunter
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1152 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on April 28, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House