Bill Text: TX HR22 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Enrolled

Texas House Resolution 22 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: In memory of former Austin City Council member Berl Lawrence Handcox Sr.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2021-03-18 - Reported enrolled [HR22 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-HR22-Enrolled.html



	H.R. No. 22



	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to
	a close with the passing of Berl Lawrence Handcox Sr. of Austin on
	June 21, 2020, at the age of 88; and
	WHEREAS, Born in Denton on February 23, 1932, to R. D. and
	Annie Vernell Handcox, Berl Handcox grew up with a brother, James;
	after graduating from Fred Moore High School in 1949, he served in
	the U.S. Navy during the Korean War; he subsequently attended
	Prairie View A&M College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in
	1961; while there, he met his future wife, the former Ruby L.
	Hemphill; the couple went on to share 50 rewarding years of marriage
	until her passing, and their cherished family grew to include three
	sons, Gary, Ricky, and Berl, as well as seven grandchildren and
	eight great-grandchildren; and
	WHEREAS, Mr. Handcox began his career as an educator and
	coach at high schools in Sealy and College Station; he then worked
	at the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos before moving to Austin
	in 1964 and finding employment as an in-house education training
	facilitator and a company recruiter with IBM; along the way, he
	distinguished himself as not only a civic leader but as a
	trailblazer in his community, becoming the first African American
	elected to the Austin City Council since it adopted the
	manager-council form of government; he ably represented his
	constituents for two terms, from 1971 to 1975, focusing his efforts
	on improving the quality of life in East Austin by revitalizing
	infrastructure and addressing many other needs; and
	WHEREAS, After his tenure on the council, Mr. Handcox was
	appointed executive director of the Office of Equal Employment
	Opportunity under Governor Dolph Briscoe; he then worked for
	Motorola and the Texas Workforce Commission and became an
	entrepreneur prior to his retirement; he also volunteered on
	various boards throughout his life; and
	WHEREAS, Berl Handcox gave freely of his time and expertise
	to better his community, and he leaves behind a legacy that will
	resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
	Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Berl Lawrence
	Handcox Sr. and extend deepest sympathy to his loved ones; 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 Berl
	Handcox.

	Cole

	______________________________
	Speaker of the House

	I certify that H.R. No. 22 was unanimously adopted by a rising
	vote of the House on March 10, 2021.

	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House