H.R. No. 1494
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Memories of a life filled with joyful times and
meaningful accomplishments remain to comfort the family and friends
of William Albert Swinney Sr., who passed away on April 20, 2023, at
the age of 99; and
WHEREAS, The son of James R. Swinney and Bessie Garner
Swinney, Bill Swinney was born in Rogers on July 8, 1923, and grew
up with a younger brother, Robert, and sister, Garnett; during the
Great Depression, the family moved frequently between ranches and
small towns in Central Texas and Mississippi, and as the oldest
child, Mr. Swinney took on enormous responsibility; nevertheless,
he graduated as president of his high school class; during World
War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as soon as he was of
age, and he served as a waist gunner on a B-24 Liberator bomber in
the Pacific Theater; he went on to attend the University of
Mississippi and studied law in Texas before embarking on an
entrepreneurial path; after decades as a general contractor, he
focused on land development and real estate; not a believer in
retirement, he worked as long as he was able; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, he married the former Marjorie June
Gustafson, and they were blessed with six children; he encouraged
them to share his enthusiasm for fitness by creating an extensive
backyard playground on the family's seven-acre lot in San Antonio;
the family also enjoyed water sports at their vacation house on Lake
LBJ; on April 14, 1990, Mr. Swinney wed Brenda Kennedy, who
inspired him to read his Bible and become active in church again; in
addition, they supported scholarships for students at a Christian
school near their home; together, they adopted his
great-grandchild, Scarlett; Mr. Swinney loved to hear his wife play
hymns and marches on the piano and organ; an inspiration to others,
the couple was profiled in the April 2023 edition of the Billy
Graham Evangelistic Association's Decision Magazine; and
WHEREAS, Although Bill Swinney is deeply missed, he leaves
behind a legacy of devotion to his family, his faith, and his
country that his loved ones can remember with pride; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of William Albert
Swinney Sr. and extend sincere condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Brenda Swinney; to his children, William A.
"Chip" Swinney Jr. and his wife, Phyllis, David Bruce Swinney,
Scott Swinney and his wife, Patty, Brett James Swinney and his wife,
Debbie, Karla Swinney Keahey and her husband, Robert, Kathleen
Swinney Parker and her husband, Brad, and Scarlett Lee Parker
Swinney; to his stepchildren, Jeff Kennedy and his wife, Brittney,
and Scott Kennedy and his wife, Karen; to his 22 grandchildren and
13 great-grandchildren; and to his many other relatives and
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 William
Albert Swinney Sr.
Gerdes
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1494 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 19, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House