Bill Text: TX HR116 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Enrolled

Texas House Resolution 116 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Congratulating Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his retirement as proprietor of Ralph's Records.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)

Status: (Passed) 2017-01-26 - Reported enrolled [HR116 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-HR116-Enrolled.html



	H.R. No. 116



	R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, The retirement of Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV, proprietor
	of Ralph's Records for more than 36 years, marks the end of an era
	for the Lubbock music scene; and
	WHEREAS, The son of Joseph Ralph DeWitt III and Norma DeWitt,
	Ralph DeWitt was born in Houston in 1952; he spent some of his youth
	in San Antonio and Chicago before graduating from Monterrey High
	School in Lubbock; while studying business management at Texas Tech
	University, he paid for his studies by working in a grocery store,
	driving a cab, delivering newspapers, and working as a nightclub
	DJ; he also honed his entrepreneurial skills by buying and selling
	used cars, venturing into concert promotion, and investing in
	residential and commercial properties; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. DeWitt was also an avid record collector, and in
	1980, he realized his dream of turning his hobby into a business; he
	opened Ralph's Records in a small space on University Avenue, and
	within two years, he was able to expand; for a time, he also ran
	shops in Oklahoma City and Amarillo, as well as a second location in
	Lubbock; the store has operated at its current 82nd Street address
	since 1991; and
	WHEREAS, Fostering a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that
	customers loved, Mr. DeWitt always hired musicians and fellow music
	fans and encouraged them to share their knowledge, ideas, and
	opinions; the industry changed dramatically over the years, but he
	was able to adapt, adding such items as CDs, DVDs, and video games;
	all the while, he retained his allegiance to vinyl records, and he
	was ready to take full advantage of the revival of the format in the
	current decade; through the years, he has also been a steadfast
	supporter of live music in the city; and
	WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Mr. DeWitt has benefited in
	all his endeavors from the encouragement of his wife, Polly, his
	children, Allison and Joey, and his mother, Norma, as well as his
	four siblings; and
	WHEREAS, Ralph DeWitt has set a sterling example of
	entrepreneurship while making vital contributions to the Lubbock
	music scene, and as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his
	life, he may reflect with justifiable pride on his accomplishments;
	now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
	Legislature hereby congratulate Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his
	retirement as proprietor of Ralph's Records 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 Mr. DeWitt as an expression of high regard by the Texas
	House of Representatives.

	Frullo

	______________________________
	Speaker of the House

	I certify that H.R. No. 116 was adopted by the House on
	January 25, 2017, by a non-record vote.

	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House