H.R. No. 51
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, All who shared in the life of William Murphey Black
Sr. of Ozona were deeply saddened by his passing on August 7, 2023,
at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, The son of Charles Sewell Black Jr. and Mary Jane
Murphey Black, Bill Black was born in Big Lake on April 22, 1940,
and he grew up on his family's ranch with the companionship of his
sister, Judy; he graduated from Ozona High School in 1958 and
attended Texas Christian University, where he enrolled in the ranch
management program; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Black married Susie Chandler on March 31, 1961,
and the couple shared a fulfilling union that spanned 62 years; they
became the proud parents of two children, Will and Sue Ellen, who
preceded her father in death, and their family eventually grew to
include five grandchildren, Murphey, Allie, Weslee, Wendy, and
Whitney, and four great-grandchildren, Brit, Bodie, Maddie, and
Maysen; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong rancher, Mr. Black worked livestock in
Crockett, Pecos, Terrell, and Val Verde Counties, and for several
years, he bought and sold sheep and goats from ranchers in the area
and sent them all over the United States; in addition to ranching,
he owned and operated Ozona Storage and Encino RV Park with his
wife; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Mr. Black served as
Crockett County commissioner for six years, and he gave generously
of his time and talents to the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers
Association, the American Sheep Industry Association, and the Texas
and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; he was one of the
original directors of the Crockett National Bank and a valued
member of Ozona United Methodist Church; known for his tremendous
work ethic and wonderful sense of humor, he enjoyed sharing stories
and good conversation with friends, loved ones, and strangers
alike, and in his younger years, he took pleasure in hunting,
fishing, and team roping; and
WHEREAS, Although Bill Black is greatly missed, he has left
his family and friends with a wealth of memories that they will
forever treasure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
William Murphey Black Sr. and extend sincere condolences 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 Bill Black.
Murr
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 51 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on November 1, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House