SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 224
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 State of Texas, 88th
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 from the
Texas Senate.
Hughes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 28, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate