88R15695 BPG-D
By: Howard H.R. No. 566
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Honorable William Rayford Price of Austin, a
former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, passed away
on February 21, 2023, at the age of 86, bringing a great loss to his
family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Born in Jacksonville, Texas, on February 9, 1937,
Rayford Price was the son of Vaye Baker Price and Quanah Price, the
owner and publisher of the Frankston Citizen; he grew up with a
brother, Grady, and graduated as valedictorian of Frankston High
School; while attending Lon Morris College, he was elected student
body president; his knowledge of the printing trade then allowed
him to work his way through The University of Texas at Austin; in
1960, while still completing his law degree, he won election to the
Texas House of Representatives from Anderson County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Price began serving in leadership positions in
his freshman year, when he was named chair of the Committee on
Contingent Expenses; over the course of six terms in office,
representing residents of Cherokee as well as Anderson County, he
served on numerous standing committees, and he chaired both State
Affairs and Constitutional Amendments; he was elected Speaker in
1972, and although the race was hotly contested, he earned plaudits
from former critics by implementing a series of reforms to
democratize the House, including a reorganization of standing
committees, the placement of various restraints on the power of
conference committees, and the implementation of a limited
seniority system; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Mr. Price returned to private life; he
moved to Dallas and became a partner in the law firm eventually
known as Hutchison, Price, Boyle & Brooks; his practice focused on
municipal bond law; in 1982, he settled in Austin, where he founded
the firm of Rayford Price & Associates; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Price was supported in all his endeavors by the
love and encouragement of his wife of 61 years, Barbara Price, and
he was the devoted father of two sons, Brandon and Brett; warm and
generous, with an engaging smile for all, he mentored younger
leaders without regard to political affiliation; and
WHEREAS, While the death of Rayford Price brings great
sadness to his family and friends, he leaves behind a legacy that
will long be treasured by all those 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 William Rayford
Price and extend sincere condolences to the members of his family:
to his wife, Barbara Ashley Price; to his sons, Brandon and Brett
Price; to his daughter in-law, Diana Martinez; and 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 William
Rayford Price.