SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 78
In Memory
of
David Gray Hall
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the remarkable life of David Gray Hall, who died on
October 11, 2023, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, David Hall was born on November 10, 1941, in
Baytown; after graduating from high school, he attended The
University of Texas at Austin, where he served as a member of
the Silver Spurs and was honored as a University of Texas
Goodfellow; and
WHEREAS, David devoted his life to serving others through
his various professional pursuits and was deeply committed to the
cause of justice; he served in the Peace Corps in Venezuela for
two years before completing his law degree, and he went on to work
as an attorney for the United Farm Workers Union and the American
Civil Liberties Union; and
WHEREAS, A champion for the rights of the oppressed, David
made tremendous contributions to the advancement of justice
throughout the Rio Grande Valley region through his service as
the director of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid; he was an advocate for
the equal representation of Mexican Americans and defended the
rights of migrant farmworkers for more than 40 years until his
retirement in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Under his outstanding leadership, the group
launched the state's first nonprofit public defender services,
established pro se clinics throughout border counties, assisted in
transnational litigation involving parental custody disputes, and
bolstered representation for children jailed by immigration
authorities, among a number of other commendable initiatives; and
WHEREAS, A man of wisdom, determination, and integrity,
David was named one of the greatest Texas lawyers of the past
century by Texas Lawyer for his exceptional contributions to his
profession, and he trained and mentored countless young
attorneys representing asylum seekers to fight for their clients
with courage and conviction; and
WHEREAS, David was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of
nearly 27 years, Pamela, and a loving father to his two
daughters, Allison and Lynn; he is also survived by his niece and
nephew, and his four grandchildren were a source of great pride
and joy to him; and
WHEREAS, David was an intrepid defender of justice and a
leader in creating meaningful and lasting change in the field of
law; he was a sourceofhopeandinspirationtohiscolleagues,
clients, and countless others, and he leaves behind memories that
will be forever cherished by his loved ones and by all who were
privileged to know him and to share in his life; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby extend sincere condolences
to the bereaved family of David Gray Hall; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of David Hall.
Eckhardt, Hinojosa
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on December 5, 2023, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate