Bill Text: TX SCR43 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | Enrolled

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Bill Title: In memory of Michael Phillip Smith of Tyler.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 2)

Status: (Passed) 2021-05-28 - Signed by the Governor [SCR43 Detail]

Download: Texas-2021-SCR43-Enrolled.html

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S.C.R. No. 43

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The city of Tyler lost an esteemed civic leader and a
friend to many with the passing of Michael Phillip Smith on July 3,
2020, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, A Fort Worth native, Michael Smith was born to Betty
and Sam K. Smith on October 27, 1945; while still an undergrad at
Texas Tech University, he was recruited by Lubbock's then-mayor,
Dr. Jim Granberry, to work in city government; Mr. Smith became
head of the health department and later served as top aide to Austin
mayor Roy Butler; subsequently, he ran Dr. Granberry's
gubernatorial campaign before joining a Dallas investment firm and
opening his first business, the themed bar It's Magic; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith found the perfect outlet for his
entrepreneurial spirit after Dr. Granberry hired him again for a
marketing project in Tyler; noting that the community lacked an ad
agency, Mr. Smith taught himself about the industry, and in 1977,
he launched the Rénard Group out of an office building's
maintenance closet; the firm grew to become a major player in the
field of advertising, with a wide range of local, state, and
national accounts; many of Mr. Smith's clients became close
friends, and he personally invested in their dreams and helped them
achieve their goals; expanding his business interests, he opened
the State Bar and Deli and purchased Tyler Today, which he developed
into a popular local interest magazine; he cared deeply about all
his employees and showed tremendous kindness to them through the
years; and
WHEREAS, Highly engaged in civic life, Mr. Smith was active
in the local Republican Party, managing and advising campaigns for
office; in addition, he served several terms on the city planning
commission and gave generously of his time and talents to
worthwhile organizations, including Historic Tyler and the Order of
the Rose; he led a group that championed the preservation of the
trees along South Broadway Avenue, and he was a founding member of
the city Crime Stoppers board; moreover, he served on the board of
the Salvation Army of Tyler and several other nonprofits; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Smith married the love of his life, Dominique
Cronin, in 1983, and they became the proud parents of a daughter,
Désirée, and a son, Wyatt; devoted to his children, Mr. Smith
instilled strong values in them during long and meaningful
conversations, and he shared his great love of history on family
trips around the world; in recent years, he found joy in precious
moments with his treasured granddaughters, Christine and Victoria;
he was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church and liked to
discuss religion and sing hymns, though his volume was perhaps more
commendable than his pitch; his gregarious, larger-than-life
personality brought him myriad friendships, and he also found time
to read voraciously; cherishing traditions of all kinds, he
delighted in immutable holiday menus, Tuesday night poker games,
and his annual St. Patrick's Day extravaganza, and he was loyal to
the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Yankees, and his alma mater, R. L.
Paschal High School; and
WHEREAS, Although the death of Michael Smith has brought
great sorrow to those who loved him, they will continue to find
inspiration in his warmth, generosity, and dedication to his
family, his faith, and his community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 87th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby pay tribute to the memory of Michael Phillip Smith and extend
sincere sympathy 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 and Senate adjourn this day, they do so in memory of
Michael Smith.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 43 was adopted by the Senate
on May 10, 2021, by a rising vote.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
I hereby certify that S.C.R. No. 43 was adopted by the House
on May 14, 2021, by a rising vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
Approved:
______________________________
Date
______________________________
Governor