AUSTIN — Texas lawmakers paid tribute to Tom Vandergriff on Wednesday, remembering the one-time “Boy Mayor of Arlington” as a velvet-voiced gentleman who left a lasting imprint on the region.

“I could stand here and go on and on about his accomplishments,” said Sen. Chris Harris, R-Arlington, “but above all he was a man who loved Arlington.”

Vandergriff, who died Dec. 30, was Arlington’s mayor for 26 years, molding his revered hometown from a small community into a major economic engine in the center of the Metroplex. His leading accomplishments included landing the Texas Rangers ballclub and snaring a General Motors plant.

Vandergriff also served as congressman and was Tarrant County judge.

Members of his family were at the front of the House and Senate as lawmakers adopted resolutions in Vandergriff’s honor.

Dave Montgomery is the Austin bureau chief. 512-476-4294

Vandergriff

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