Mr. Speaker, I wish to take a moment to pay tribute to Bill Hunter, the father of one of my long-time staff. I did not have the privilege of knowing Bill personally. However, I know how deeply he was loved and how greatly he is missed. I offer my condolences to his family as they both mourn his loss and celebrate his life after his home-going on January 17th of this year. Known to many as Hunter, Bill was raised in West Texas and embodied many classic American traits—independent, driven, and fiercely loyal. His childhood was not easy, and it engendered in him his lifelong drive to work hard, fight for the underdog, and aid those in need. Bill lost his father when he was only 5, causing him to grow up early to help his mother pay the bills, whether as a paperboy, grocery clerk, or telegram courier. He recalled how it was cold in West Texas and his family couldn’t make the gas payment. So, at only 7, he biked a paper route around 5 in the morning and then wore his cold, wet shoes the remainder of the day at school just to do his part. Bill put himself through college at Texas Tech and law school at Southern Methodist University. Key accomplishments for a boy from Monahans, Texas. Bill lived, loved, and practiced law for over 50 years. Legal adversaries and allies agree that Bill was a brilliant attorney and a formidable opponent who earned the respect of his peers for his innovative legal arguments and his vigorous advocacy for his clients. Bill was tough as nails but soft as a kitten. He could aggressively fight a bully in court or quietly teach Sunday school or speak in silly voices to show his pets how much he cared for them. Bill deeply enjoyed providing high-caliber legal assistance to those who couldn’t afford it. However, he didn’t announce his efforts to help others. Rather, his family and friends learned of his extensive pro bono work when community members would share how much Bill had helped, be it the staff of his favorite restaurant or the workers at his retirement village. Dallas was Bill’s true home. He was President of the Dallas School Board, a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, a partowner of the ABA basketball team the Dallas Chaparrals, a frequenter of Dallas’ wonderful museums, and an avid Cowboys fan. He loved God and his family. He was very proud of his children and delighted in watching his grandchildren and step-grandchildren grow. Bill leaves behind many who loved him: his wife, Pati, her 5 children and 5 grandchildren; his three children—Sam, Chris, and Jill, and his 9 grandchildren; and hundreds of attorneys, judge and friends who know that Dallas and the legal community lost an important member. Although I did not know Bill personally, I know how much his family and community miss him. I imagine that his family can take comfort in knowing that Bill can still enjoy many of his favorite past times in heaven—engaging in some healthy arguments with St. Peter, listening to country music, whistling some tunes to pass the time, working challenging crossword puzzles, laughing at clever comic strips, or, most importantly, watching his beloved Cowboys.