Freestone County, Texas
Bios

Texas Senate
Resolution #733


SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 733

In Memory
of
Olin Nickleberry


	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the citizens
of Navarro County in mourning the loss of Olin Nickleberry, who 
died April 13, 2005, at the age of 75; and

	WHEREAS, Born August 7, 1929, in Marietta, Texas, to 
Birdie and Maurice Nickleberry, Sr., Olin graduated from Rambo 
High School, south of Atlanta, Texas; and

	WHEREAS, He attended Bishop College, where he was voted 
Most Outstanding Athlete and graduated with a degree in education;
he later earned a master's degree in physical education at East 
Texas State University in 1972; he served as a paratrooper in 
the Army and then began a career in education; and

	WHEREAS, A dedicated educator, Olin served as a teacher, 
coach, and special needs instructor in Navarro, Ellis, Freestone,
and Limestone Counties and for the Corsicana Independent School 
District; he was a special education teacher for Blooming Grove 
Independent School District; and

	WHEREAS, Selected as one of the Most Prominent Educators 
in Texas in 1983, Olin was affiliated with the National Education
Association, and he was elected vice president of the Texas 
Association for Adult and Continuing Education; and

	WHEREAS, The first African American elected county 
commissioner in Navarro County, Olin served three terms 
representing Precinct 2; he was a former member of the Navarro 
County Peace Officers Association, the Navarro County Committee 
on Aging, and the Navarro County Waste Management Task Force; and

	WHEREAS, A well-known civic leader, Olin was a member of 
the Sunrise Lions Club, the Kerens Chamber of Commerce, and many 
other local organizations; he was a familiar figure at countless 
sporting events, acting as a referee or umpire throughout the 
area; and

	WHEREAS, A deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church and chairman 
of the deacon staff, Olin gave generously of himself to others, 
and his wisdom, warmth, and valued counsel will not be forgotten 
by those who knew him; and

	WHEREAS, Olin Nickleberry lived his life to the fullest and 
was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves 
behind memories that will be cherished forever by his family 
and many friends; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
79th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of Olin Nickleberry:  his wife, Edith Iles-Nickleberry; 
his daughters, Oretha Nickleberry and Brenda Gardner; his 
brothers, Joe, Benny, and Vernon Nickleberry; his sister, 
Lois Nickleberry; and his grandchildren, DeShawn Gardner II 
and Brendé Gardner; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the members of 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 Olin Nickleberry.
                                                                         Averitt




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on May 2, 2005, by a 
rising vote.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate