Texas SR 582: In memory of Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez.

Bill Text

89(R) SR 582 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

  

  

  

   

 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 582

  

  

   

 In Memory

   

 of

   

 Thomas Everett Spencer

  

   

        WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and 

  

 commemorates the life of Thomas Everett Spencer, who died 

  

 April 2, 2025, at the age of 68; and

  

  

        WHEREAS, Born on July 17, 1956, in Poughkeepsie, New York, 

  

 Thomas Spencer was raised in Port Arthur, Texas, and later 

  

 settled in Austin; he earned a degree in history from The 

  

 University of Texas at Austin and embarked on a distinguished 

  

 career founded on a strong commitment to public service and a 

  

 thoughtful and conscientious approach to community 

  

 stewardship; and

  

  

        WHEREAS, Tom Spencer began his employment with KLRU Public 

  

 Television in Austin in 1982, and he became noted for producing 

  

 award-winning programs that elevated public discourse and 

  

 highlighted the beauty of Texas life; over the course of his 

  

 career, his role as the longtime host of "Central Texas Gardener" 

  

 made him a beloved local figure and a treasured source of 

  

 knowledge, inspiration, and encouragement to generations of 

  

 viewers who saw in him both a teacher and a friend; and

  

  

        WHEREAS, In addition to his work in television, Tom was a 

  

 familiar and comforting presence on the radio and hosted a 

  

 Saturday morning gardening show on KLBJ-AM for three decades; his 

  

 poetic reflections, evocative photography, and personal essays 

  

 on his website, "Soul of the Garden," revealed a spirit rooted 

  

 deeply in the natural rhythms of life; and

  

  

        WHEREAS, A passionate environmentalist and civic leader, 

  

 Tom Spencer believed that tending the land was akin to tending 

  

 the soul, and his leadership in environmental and civic 

  

 organizations reflected that calling; he served with distinction 

  

 at TreeFolks, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, the National 

  

 Wildlife Federation, and I Live Here, I Give Here, and he 

  

 received a lifetime achievement award from TreeFolks in 2023; and

  

  

        WHEREAS, Revered for his wisdom and gentle spirit, 

  

 Mr. Spencer carried himself with quiet strength and lived each 

  

 day with spiritual intention, open-hearted curiosity, and 

  

 reverence for beauty and truth; he was a beloved brother, a 

  

 trusted colleague, and a guiding light to many; and

  

  

        WHEREAS, Thomas Spencer approached life with curiosity and 

  

 reverence, and he is remembered for his commitment to nature, 

  

 education, and community; though his passing brings great 

  

 sorrow, the life of Tom Spencer remains a blessing to all who knew 

  

 him, and his voice, his vision, and his enduring presence in the 

  

 spirit of Austin will endure for years to come; now, therefore, 

  

 be it

  

  

        RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th 

  

 Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved 

  

 family of Thomas Everett Spencer; 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 Thomas Spencer.

  

  

 Eckhardt

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
 ________________________________ 

  

  
     President of the Senate

  

  
  

  

  
     I hereby certify that the 

  

  
 above Resolution was adopted by 

  

  
 the Senate on May 27, 2025, by a 

  

  
 rising vote.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
 ________________________________ 

  

  
     Secretary of the Senate

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
 ________________________________ 

  

  
      Member, Texas Senate