88R30226 CW-D
By: Troxclair H.R. No. 1765
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of an esteemed civic leader and legendary
football player drew to a close with the passing of Richard Preston
Ritchie on May 11, 2023, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 2, 1955, in Mineral Wells, Richard
Ritchie was the son of John and Ann Ritchie; he gained national
acclaim on the gridiron during his years at Texas A&I University,
compiling a remarkable 39-0 record as the starting quarterback and
leading the Javelinas to undefeated seasons in 1974, 1975, and 1976
that yielded three Lone Star Conference crowns and three NAIA
Division I championships; named Most Valuable Player of the 1974
NAIA title game, he also garnered the 1975-1976 NAIA and LSC Player
of the Year honors; he graduated with a degree in education and
kinesiology in 1977, and he later created the Richard Ritchie
Endowment in support of the school's athletic programs; he was
inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame, the LSC Hall of Honor, and
the College Football Hall of Fame, and he earned the Distinguished
Alumni Award for his continuing involvement with the university;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie went on to serve as an assistant
football coach at The University of Texas at Austin, the University
of North Texas, and Texas Tech University; after receiving his
juris doctor degree from St. Mary's University in 1991, he embarked
on his career as an attorney, following the tradition set by four
previous generations in his family; he established the Richard P.
Ritchie Law firm in Mineral Wells and was a prominent member of the
community, serving as an attorney for the Palo Pinto Water District
and as a director of the First State Bank of Mineral Wells and the
Brazos Foundation; moreover, he was president of the Noon Lions
Club and captain of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Posse, and he
also distinguished himself as a rancher, another occupation long
pursued by the members of his family; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ritchie enjoyed the love
and support of his wife, Penny, his daughters, Leslie Kay and Lacie,
and his five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, While the death of Richard Ritchie brings great
sadness to his loved ones, he leaves behind a legacy that will long
be treasured by all who held him dear; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Richard Preston
Ritchie and extend deepest condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Penny Ritchie; to his daughters, Leslie Kay
Ritchie Robnett and her husband, Kevin, and Lacie Ritchie Austin
and her husband, Matthew; to his grandchildren, Elisha, Cyrus,
Arleigh, Skye, and Sydney; and to his 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 Richard
Ritchie.