In memory of Samuel Ray Sparrow.

89(R) SR 633 - Enrolled version - Bill Text

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 633

In Memory

of

Samuel Ray Sparrow

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and

commemorates the life of Samuel Ray Sparrow, who died on December

14, 2023, at the age of 32; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 21, 1991, in Nederland to Lizneth

Sparrow and James Ray Sparrow Jr., Sammy grew up in Groves

alongside his siblings Lourdes and Daniel, in whom he could

always find a ready playmate or companion; Sammy's passion for

baseball was a defining influence in his childhood, and he played

for Groves National Little League and made the all-star team each

year he was eligible; as a teenager, he had the pleasure of

visiting many different parts of the country attending

collegiate baseball camps and playing baseball with his select

travel team; and

WHEREAS, Sammy attended Port Neches-Groves High School,

where he played on the varsity baseball team and graduated in

2009; he furthered his education at Texas A&M

University--Kingsville, and after college, Sammy worked in the

insurance industry and was committed to helping his clients

however he could; his kindness and generous spirit were evident

in all of his endeavors, and his sincere desire to help anyone in

need was apparent to all who knew him; and

WHEREAS, Growing up in a house divided by conflicting

loyalties to various sports teams meant a steady source of banter

and good-natured rivalry, and despite being proud native Texans,

Sammy and his sister Lourdes cheered for the Boston Red Sox to the

amused dismay of the Yankees and Astros fans in the family; Sammy

was an enthusiastic fan of the Louisiana State University Tigers

and also supported the Dallas Cowboys along with his younger

brother, Daniel; together they celebrated their victories,

commiserated over their losses, and enjoyed taking road trips to

watch the Cowboys play; and

WHEREAS, Sammy's love of sports led him to make many

special memories, including traveling to Fenway Park to watch the

Boston Red Sox play, which he considered a true highlight of his

life; he also treasured such favorite memories as visiting New

York with his mother and seeing the Baseball Hall of Fame Museum,

and the trip he took with Daniel and Lourdes as adults to visit

Universal Studios was one of the many precious memories they

shared; and

WHEREAS, Music was always important to Sammy, and he taught

himself to play the piano and guitar and was an avid reader and

writer with a brilliant memory; he had a remarkable talent for

deciphering games and puzzles, as illustrated by his

extraordinary ability to rapidly solve a Rubik's Cube puzzle, a

skill he mastered at an early age; he especially enjoyed playing

games and spending time with his nephew, Xander, who will always

hold dear the memories he made with his Uncle Sam; and

WHEREAS, Sammy found a sense of solace in his spiritual

faith and always looked for the love and goodness in other

people; he adored animals, and throughout his life, he was a

devoted friend and caretaker of dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles,

rabbits, a potbellied pig, and at one point, injured squirrels he

cared for and rehabilitated; his most beloved pet and companion

was undoubtedly his dog, Hook, and the close bond they shared was

clear to all who witnessed it; and

WHEREAS, Left to cherish Sammy's memory are his mother,

Lizneth Sparrow, his sister Lourdes Litchfield and her husband,

Michael; his brother Daniel Sparrow and his fiancée, Isabella;

his nephew, Alexander "Xander" Litchfield; his loving abuelo and

abuelita; and his father, James Ray Sparrow Jr.; his sister

Jennifer Womack; his brother James Ray Sparrow III; and the many

others who were blessed to share in his life; now, therefore, be

it

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

Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved

family of Samuel Ray Sparrow; 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 Sammy Sparrow.

Eckhardt

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the

above Resolution was adopted by

the Senate on May 31, 2025, by a

rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate