Jorge Antonio Solis Sr.

Jorge Antonio Solis, Sr. took the Lord’s hand on Friday, October 8, 2021. He is survived by his son Jorge Solis, Jr (Jackie) and granddaughter Georgiana, son Daniel Solis, daughter Diane Solis, and the mother of his children, Rebecca; sisters Nora Solis Reyes (Frank), Gilda Solis Pierce (Mark) and brothers Jesus Solis Jr. (Renita), Alberto Solis (Tina), and Alfredo Solis (Marina); Sixteen nieces and nephews, seven great nieces and nephews, and ten great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesus and Maria Solis, and his sister, Maria Teresa Solis.

Jorge was born on May 1, 1951 in San Ygnacio, Texas. He and his family moved to Abilene, Texas on December 26, 1955. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1969, and from there went on to McMurry College and received his BA in History and Political Science in 1973. He dreamed of attending the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, and was so excited when he was accepted in 1973. He graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from UT Law in 1976.

After law school, he became an assistant criminal district attorney for the Taylor County District Attorney’s Office in Abilene, Taylor County, Texas from 1976 to 1981. He then went into private practice from 1981 to 1982. In 1982, he was elected as the first Hispanic District Attorney for Taylor County, and served in that position from 1983 to 1987. He was a special prosecutor for the Narcotics Task Force in 1988. He then ran for Taylor County District Judge of the 350th District Court of Texas and won, serving in this position from 1989 to 1991.

In June 1991, Jorge was nominated by President George H. W. Bush, and later confirmed by the US Senate for a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. He served as a Federal Judge for twenty-five years, until he retired as Chief Judge on May 1, 2016. In 2018, he joined the law firm of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he was employed at the time of his death.

Jorge was a devout Catholic and devoted family man who spread love, wisdom and prayers around wherever he went. He was a man of courage, conviction, and compassion. He lent a helping hand to those who needed it the most, and mentored many young, ambitious attorneys. Our grieving hearts take comfort in knowing how many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers The Solis Family asks that you please consider making a donation at " The Judge Jorge A. Solis Memorial Scholarship Fund" provided by The University of Texas Law School Foundation. www.UTLSF.org/Solis