Doyce Riley Lee

LEE, DOYCE RILEY (1940 ~ 1993). The following is a resolution passed by the Texas Legislature upon the death of Doyce R. Lee, former member.  The resolution was passed during the 73rd Texas Legislature.

R E S O L U T I O N

            WHEREAS, The family and many friends of former State Representative Doyce R. Lee have been deeply saddened by the death of this distinguished gentleman on May 4, 1993, at the age of 52, and with his passing the State of Texas has lost an outstanding individual who for many years had ably served its interests as a dedicated public servant; and

            WHEREAS, Born on September 2, 1940, in the Cass County community of Marietta, Mr. Lee grew up in northeast Texas and attended East Texas State University; graduating with a bachelor's degree in music education in 1962, he taught music for several years and served several congregations as a minister of music before resuming his education at The University of Texas School of Law; and

            WHEREAS, After receiving his law degree in January 1968, he returned to Cass County and practiced law for a brief period in a Linden partnership before moving to Naples in Morris County, where he set up his own private practice as an attorney in 1969; and

            WHEREAS, Establishing himself as a community leader over the next few years, he ventured into the realm of public service in 1972 when he successfully ran for the office of state representative from District 2, which then encompassed Cass, Marion, Morris, Smith, and Upshur counties; and

            WHEREAS, In addition to serving his constituents in northeast Texas as a member of the House of Representatives during the 63rd Legislature, Mr. Lee also rendered an outstanding public service to the citizens of this state and demonstrated both his statesmanship and his leadership ability as a delegate to the constitutional convention in 1974; and

            WHEREAS, His performance as a legislator and statesman earned him widespread and well‑deserved acclaim, and he was recognized by several publications, including Outstanding Young Men of the South, Who's Who in American Government, and Who's Who in Texas; and

            WHEREAS, After completing his term in the House of Representatives, Mr. Lee continued his record of service to the people of Texas by joining the State Board of Insurance as a staff attorney and remaining with that state agency for the next 14 years, serving in a variety of positions from 1975 until 1989, when he resumed the private practice of law; and

            WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Texas State Board of Insurance he distinguished himself by his hard work, dedication, and expertise, first as a staff attorney, then as director of the legal division, later as general counsel to the board, and finally as the commissioner of insurance, when he assumed overall responsibility as the chief administrative and executive officer of the agency; and

            WHEREAS, Although he left public office in January 1989 to pursue private practice, this dedicated and public‑spirited citizen continued to devote considerable time and energy to community service as a member of the board of directors for the East Texas State University Alumni Association, the Texas State Bar Association, and the Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity; he also was involved in church activities at the River Bend Baptist Church in Austin; and

            WHEREAS, In all of the many endeavors he pursued throughout a full and rewarding life, Mr. Lee brought intelligence, energy, and determination to his task of serving others, and in doing so he deeply touched the lives not only of those around him but of Texans everywhere; although he is gone from us now, the legacy he leaves behind will endure and keep alive the memory of an outstanding Texan; now, therefore, be it

            RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas Legislature hereby honor the memory of former State Representative Doyce R. Lee and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family:  to his wife Phyllis; to his brother and sister‑in‑law, Kenneth and Mary Lee; to his sister and brother‑in‑law, Phyllis and Charles Robinett; to his nephews, Scott Lee and Chase Robinett; to his niece, Lisa Lee Holt; to his father‑in‑law, Dr. A. C. Winford, Sr., and mother‑in‑law, Phyllis Austin Winford; to his brother‑in‑law, Clem Winford; and to all of the other family members and friends who have mourned the passing of this fine man; and, be it further

            RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the members of his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Doyce R. Lee.

Naishtat