88R6994 AMB-D By: Springer S.R. No. 55 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Honorable Woodrow W. Gossom Jr. is stepping down as Wichita County judge on December 31, 2022, drawing to a close more than three decades of service to the county; and WHEREAS, After attending Texas A&M University, "Woody" Gossom completed his bachelor's degree at Midwestern State University; he earned his master's degree from the University of Denver and went on to pursue doctoral studies at the University of North Texas; after leaving active military duty in 1973, he was employed as associate dean of students at MSU, and he was the general manager of City Concrete; he concluded his service with the Texas Army National Guard and the Army Reserve as a colonel in 2005, and upon his retirement, he received the Legion of Merit; and WHEREAS, Judge Gossom was appointed as county judge in January 1999, having previously served as a Wichita County commissioner; over the course of his 23-year tenure on the bench, he has ably performed the responsibilities of his position and served his fellow citizens with distinction; he has enhanced his effectiveness through his participation in the Texas Association of Counties leadership program and the association's Texas Judicial Academy, and he is also a graduate of the 2000 Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum program; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, Judge Gossom has been involved in numerous civic organizations, including Kiwanis, American Red Cross, and the Wichita Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce; he is also a member of First Christian Church of Wichita Falls; in all his endeavors, he enjoys the love and support of his wife, Kris, and their four children, as well as their five grandchildren; and WHEREAS, The dedication and integrity demonstrated by Woody Gossom have greatly benefited the residents of Wichita County and earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his many achievements as he begins the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Woodrow W. Gossom Jr. on his retirement as Wichita County judge and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Judge Gossom as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.