By: Frullo H.R. No. 116
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The retirement of Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV, proprietor
  of Ralph's Records for more than 36 years, marks the end of an era
  for the Lubbock music scene; and
         WHEREAS, The son of Joseph Ralph DeWitt III and Norma DeWitt,
  Ralph DeWitt was born in Houston in 1952; he spent some of his youth
  in San Antonio and Chicago before graduating from Monterrey High
  School in Lubbock; while studying business management at Texas Tech
  University, he paid for his studies by working in a grocery store,
  driving a cab, delivering newspapers, and working as a nightclub
  DJ; he also honed his entrepreneurial skills by buying and selling
  used cars, venturing into concert promotion, and investing in
  residential and commercial properties; and
         WHEREAS, Mr. DeWitt was also an avid record collector, and in
  1980, he realized his dream of turning his hobby into a business; he
  opened Ralph's Records in a small space on University Avenue, and
  within two years, he was able to expand; for a time, he also ran
  shops in Oklahoma City and Amarillo, as well as a second location in
  Lubbock; the store has operated at its current 82nd Street address
  since 1991; and
         WHEREAS, Fostering a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that
  customers loved, Mr. DeWitt always hired musicians and fellow music
  fans and encouraged them to share their knowledge, ideas, and
  opinions; the industry changed dramatically over the years, but he
  was able to adapt, adding such items as CDs, DVDs, and video games;
  all the while, he retained his allegiance to vinyl records, and he
  was ready to take full advantage of the revival of the format in the
  current decade; through the years, he has also been a steadfast
  supporter of live music in the city; and
         WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Mr. DeWitt has benefited in
  all his endeavors from the encouragement of his wife, Polly, his
  children, Allison and Joey, and his mother, Norma, as well as his
  four siblings; and
         WHEREAS, Ralph DeWitt has set a sterling example of
  entrepreneurship while making vital contributions to the Lubbock
  music scene, and as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his
  life, he may reflect with justifiable pride on his accomplishments;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
  Legislature hereby congratulate Joseph Ralph DeWitt IV on his
  retirement as proprietor of Ralph's Records and extend to him
  sincere best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Mr. 
  DeWitt as an expression of high regard by the Texas
  House of Representatives.