88R14584 CW-D
By: Hughes S.R. No. 224
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The 100th birthday of an esteemed Texan is indeed
cause for celebration, and Dr. Ray O. Brooks of Henderson is
marking that special milestone on March 7, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Born in Emhouse in 1923 to John Thomas "Jack" Brooks
and Laila Ray Brooks, Ray Brooks grew up with three sisters, Tommye,
Elvice, and Vida; answering his nation's call to duty, he served
during World War II as a U.S. Naval Air Force lieutenant and blimp
pilot, conducting enemy U-boat reconnaissance during his patrols
over the Caribbean; after the war, in 1946, he earned a bachelor's
degree from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brooks went on to receive a doctorate in
theology from Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary; he served for
70 years as pastor of Long Branch Missionary Baptist Church, and he
further distinguished himself in his longtime role as president of
the Texas Baptist Institute; he continues to be an active biblical
scholar; and
WHEREAS, On September 8, 1945, Dr. Brooks exchanged wedding
vows with the former Mickey Evans, and the couple shared a rewarding
marriage that spanned more than six and a half decades, until her
death in 2013; they became the devoted parents of two children,
Patty and Jack, and today Dr. Brooks also takes great pride in his
two grandchildren, Amanda and Craig, and his two
great-grandchildren, Rainey and Maria; he is a competitive dominoes
player, and he enjoys watching John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke
reruns; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of a century, Dr. Ray Brooks has not
only bravely served his nation but has also met the challenges and
opportunities of a long life with grace and fortitude, and he is
blessed with the deep respect and lasting affection of his loved
ones; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby congratulate Dr. Ray O. Brooks on the joyous occasion of his
100th birthday and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued
happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Brooks as an expression of high regard by the Texas
Senate.