SR690 - In memory of Gerald Mack Bennett of Jefferson.

        SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 690       In Memory   of   Gerald Bennett            WHEREAS, A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with   the passing of Gerald Mack Bennett of Jefferson on   April 28, 2025, at the age of 74; and          WHEREAS, The son of Jim Wilson and Finna Faye Bennett,   Jerry Bennett was born in Marshall on July 14, 1950, and he grew   up with the companionship of four siblings, Jim, Phil, Judy, and   Glenn; a member of the Marshall High School Class of 1968, he went   on to graduate from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor's   degree in education in 1976; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Bennett enjoyed a long and rewarding career   as an educator and football coach, starting with his first job as   an assistant coach at Marshall High School; he then served as a   defensive coordinator at Queen City High for two years before   landing a head coaching position at Jefferson High; in 1986, he   led the Jefferson Bulldogs to an undefeated season and a 3A state   championship, garnering Cypress Valley, District 16-AAA, and   Texas Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year honors; and          WHEREAS, In 2002, Mr. Bennett began coaching running backs   and inside receivers at Southern Methodist University alongside   his brother, head coach Phil Bennett; he later helmed the   football program at Linden-Kildare High before returning to   Jefferson, where he coached until his retirement in 2013; in   recognition of his exceptional work, he was inducted into the   East Texas Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 2015; and          WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Coach Bennett benefited   from the love and support of his wife, Tammy, and their daughter,   Ashley; a member of First Baptist Church Jefferson, he and   Mrs. Bennett taught third- and fourth-grade Sunday school for   several years, and he served as chair of the usher and personnel   committees; and          WHEREAS, Although Jerry Bennett is greatly missed, he will   forever be remembered with admiration and affection by his loved   ones and by the countless other individuals whose lives he   touched; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Gerald Mack   Bennett and extend heartfelt sympathy to his family: to his wife   of 42 years, Tammy Bennett; to his daughter, Ashley Ann Bennett;   to his siblings, Jim Bennett and his wife, Peggy, Phil Bennett   and his wife, Julie, and Judy Bennett Kimberly and her husband,   Kirby; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be   prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns   this day, it do so in memory of Jerry Bennett.     Hughes                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on June 1, 2025, by a     rising vote.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate