H.R. No. 522
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the
passing of Hays City Council member Dr. Alice Gayle Hudgens on
November 5, 2024, at the age of 83; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of J. Don Hudgens and Evelyn Magrill
Hudgens, Gayle Hudgens was born in Artesia, New Mexico, on April 20,
1941; growing up in a military household that moved frequently, she
demonstrated resilience and a sense of curiosity that led to a
devotion to lifelong learning; after attending the University of
New Mexico, she continued her education at The University of Texas
at Austin, earning master's degrees in both Latin American studies
and library science, as well as a doctorate in educational
administration; she was a Ford Foundation Scholar and successfully
pursued further studies in sustainability and in business and
personal coaching; at the time of the Kennedy assassination in
1963, she was an assistant press secretary to Governor John
Connally; she later worked as a reference librarian for UT's Latin
American Collection and became a prolific author and scholar; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hudgens was an ardent activist, engaging in the
founding of the North Texas Greens and the Emerging Public Issues
Corporation; she championed whistleblowing against government
corruption and reported on a radioactive landfill on the Mescalero
Apache Reservation in a seven-part newspaper series; dedicated to
her community, she was a regional registrar for the Daughters of the
American Revolution and wrote a gardening column for the Hays Free
Press in Hays County for many years; her love of nature extended to
a host of pets, including cats, dogs, and goats, and her spiritual
journey eventually culminated in her embrace of Quakerism; in all
her endeavors, she enjoyed the love and support of her husband of
more than four decades, Harvey Davis; and
WHEREAS, Although Gayle Hudgens is deeply missed, those she
left behind will continue to find inspiration in her warmth, zest
for knowledge, and commitment to fostering peace, health, and
happiness for all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Dr. Alice Gayle
Hudgens and extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family: to
her husband, Harvey L. Davis Jr.; to her children, Hal Watson III
and his wife, Nancy, and Amy Logan; to her stepson, Robert Davis; to
her grandchildren, Brett, Wendy, and Ross Watson and Vaughan Logan;
and to her other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Gayle
Hudgens.
Zwiener
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 522 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 31, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House