Category: Randy Willis

Randy Willis is as much at home in the saddle as he is in front of the computer, where he composes his family sagas.

Perfect in Beauty

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Randy Willis explores the theme of choice between good and evil, using the biblical figure of Lucifer as a metaphor. He emphasizes that true control in life comes from surrendering to God, contrasting worldly temptations with spiritual truths. The narrative stresses the significance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for humanity's redemption and healing. Throughout, Willis warns against the lies of Satan, urging readers to look to Jesus for fulfillment and salvation, asserting that only through faith can one overcome sin and emptiness. He invites everyone to accept God's love and make the vital choice of embracing faith in Christ for eternal life.

R.C. Slocum: 10 Feet Tall

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R.C. Slocum, a towering figure in college football, is celebrated for his remarkable tenure at Texas A&M, where he achieved a winning percentage of .865 and the title of the program's winningest coach. He led the Aggies from 1989 to 2002, never posting a losing season and earning numerous accolades, including induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Slocum's impact extends beyond the field, emphasizing character and integrity and incorporating life skills into his coaching philosophy. He recently received the Lamar Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award, underscoring his lasting influence on sports and his commitment to faith and mentorship.

Johnny Rodriguez: The True Goat Story

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Explore the captivating tale of Johnny Rodriguez and a fateful goat rustling incident at Garner State Park, filled with nostalgia and friendship.

Criticism & Encouragement in Sports

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Randy Willis reflects on the profound impact of his junior high coach, Nabro Frazier, who taught him the importance of encouragement and enjoying life. Unlike more aggressive coaching styles, Frazier's supportive demeanor inspired Willis's love for football. Along with other coaches he admired, Willis learned valuable life lessons, including respect and fair play. He shares anecdotes about the challenges faced while training, particularly regarding hydration protocols of the time. As an accomplished author and musician, Willis emphasizes the significance of community service and personal development while cherishing his upbringing and family heritage in Texas.

Johnny Rodriguez & Jesus

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On Christmas Day in 1994, Randy and his friend Johnny engaged in a deep conversation about faith and personal losses, particularly discussing the death of musician Bill Boling. Johnny shared his past experiences with religion, revealing that he accepted Jesus Christ after Bill’s tragic death, expressing a desire to join his mother and Bill in heaven. The narrative reflects on the nature of salvation, emphasizing that it cannot be earned through good deeds but is a gift from God through faith. Randy highlights the importance of genuine belief and the unconditional love of Jesus for all, urging readers to seek a true relationship with Him.

Isms & Schisms

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This text emphasizes the nature of Jesus Christ as the propitiation for sins, highlighting His dual identity as fully God and fully human. It reflects on His desire to gather humanity to Him and stresses that individuals have the choice to accept or reject His grace. Key biblical verses illustrate that salvation is available to all, not limited by doctrine or predetermined fate. The narrative recounts personal experiences and underscores God's love and the necessity of acknowledging this relationship through faith. Ultimately, it calls for a response to Jesus' invitation, asserting that true fulfillment comes from embracing Him amidst life's struggles.

Johnny Rodriguez: Tying a Knot

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by Randy Willis INTRODUCTION Over a decade ago, Johnny Rodriguez approached me about writing his biography. "I don't write puff pieces," I said. "What do you mean by a puff piece?" One that "paints" a story with only the good we've done. You know, John, I would have to write the 'good, the bad, and …

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Isms & Schisms

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The text discusses the nature of Jesus Christ as both divine and human, emphasizing His role as the savior for all humanity, not just a select few. It highlights biblical themes of choice, repentance, and God's desire for all to accept Him. Key scriptures illustrate God's sovereignty, foreknowledge, and mankind's inherent sinful nature. The author argues that while God knows outcomes, it does not negate human choice in accepting salvation. He encourages readers to turn to Jesus, offering a pathway to forgiveness and eternal life. Ultimately, it calls for an acceptance of God's grace, underscoring that salvation is available to "whosoever will."

Joseph Willis: 250 Years Ago Today

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250 years ago, my 4th Great-grandfather, Joseph Willis, became a Patriot. Today, his descendants, which include three of my grandchildren, celebrated that anniversary!

Randy Willis: Writing Tips from my Friends

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Randy Willis shares his insights on writing, emphasizing clarity through short sentences and paragraphs. He admires authors like Hemingway and Twain and dislikes flowery language, favoring straightforward prose. He defines himself as a "pantser," writing intuitively rather than outlining, and prefers to omit unnecessary descriptors. Willis urges writers to show rather than tell, allowing readers to draw conclusions. His novel "Beckoning Candle" is inspired by his family’s history related to Pearl Harbor. He encourages research, fun, and self-editing, while reminding writers to find personal styles and keep readers engaged through storytelling without excessive explanation.

10 Steps to Becoming a Successful Writer

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Randy Willis shares a reflective narrative on his journey to becoming a writer, emphasizing the importance of heritage and storytelling. He outlines ten steps for aspiring writers, including valuing family ancestry, immersing in research from a young age, and collaborating with established authors. Inspired by a friend, Dr. Sue Eakin, Willis discusses his works, particularly "Twice a Slave," which connects to historical figures like his fourth great-grandfather, Joseph Willis. He reflects on his writing process, incorporating life experiences and familial stories while highlighting the lessons learned from infamous authors. Throughout, he acknowledges the grace and guidance of God in his literary pursuits.

A Mighty Big Loop

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The old-timers were spinning yarns about the weather, the scourge of the XITs, and Charlie Goodnight’s barbed wire fences doing away with the “real cowboys,” a cattle disease called Texas Fever, and many a “she did me wrong yarn.

About Randy Willis

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Best-selling and award-winning master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith.

Has it all been predetermined?

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When I founded Operation Warm Heart in 1991, I faced many challenges. Some on the streets of Austin, homeless and needy people, rejected the Gospel I was sharing. There were numerous reasons, but one stood out.

Living in the Abundance of God’s Blessings

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Today, we read a lot about chance and good luck. These serendipitous words are what many place their hopes and dreams for their future. Casinos and the lottery fuel these hopes of chance. Life is one happy accident after another, many believe.

Hi-Lo Country: Starring Johnny Rodriguez?

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by Randy Willis Johnny Rodriguez and I drove from San Marcos to Dallas so he could read for the part of Pete Calder in Hi-Lo Country, the 1998 film directed by Stephen Frears. Martin Scorsese, one of the producers, was a huge music fan.  After Johnny read for the part, Frears said he was incredible. …

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Johnny Rodriguez Biography

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Explore the untold stories and friendships captured in 'Johnny Rodriguez: The Rest of the Story' by Randy Willis, a journey through music and memories.

Garner State Park: Thanks for the Memories

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Dedicated to Johnny Rodriguez, Corky Parker, Donald "Don" Sweat, and Bob "Bullet" Naegelin. And Charles Gammill, Thomas "Twig" Phillips, and Glen Hardwick.

Garner State Park & Our National Parks

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My love for state and national parks began at Garner State Park in Texas when I was nine. But soon spread to America's National Parks. —Randy Willis

Randy Willis: Garner State Park & Our National Parks

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My love for state and national parks began at Garner State Park in Texas when I was nine. But soon spread to America's National Parks. —Randy Willis

Garner State Park

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In the western part of Texas 90 miles from of San Antone There's a place I go each summer When I get the urge to roam I stand out on the highway If I couldn't catch a ride I'd walk To Garner State Park Let's go to Garner State Park Come on along to Garner State Park Where the prettiest girls in Texas. B.J. Thomas

The Goat

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Two weeks before John Rodriguez and friends barbecued their two goats at the roadside park in Concan, another group of about 15 teenagers stole a goat and hung it from a tree at the original Garner entrance on US Highway 83, which was no longer in use. Thus began the domino toppling, which led to an unbelievable chain of events and to the future stardom of one of the goat-rustlers.

Angelic Protection

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Discover the miraculous journey of Randy Willis's son, Aaron, who survived two devastating car accidents through angelic protection and divine intervention.

Ahyoka Willis: Bringer of Joy in Cherokee

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Joseph Willis would continue into the lawless "No Man's land," the Louisiana Neutral Strip, a half-century before the Catholic Church. It would be here that he buried on the banks of the Calcasieu River the sleeve from the dress his mother, Ahyoka, used as a tourniquet to save Joseph Willis's father, Agerton's life.

Hell is empty, and all the devils are here

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"Hell is empty and all the devils are here." —The Tempest, a play by William Shakespeare 

The Prince of Persia (Iran)

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by Randy Willis “A Rider is coming on a magnificent steed, a white horse, I’m told. “He knows all the brands and earmarks, for you see, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. “He will separate the goats from His sheep. “If you listen carefully, you might even hear hoofbeats, for you see, He’s …

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Easter: To My Family

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by Randy Willis This is written for and dedicated to nine people: my three sons and six grandchildren. They are the joy of my life. Anyone else who would care to listen in is welcome. To my three sons: Aaron Joseph Willis, Joshua Randall Willis, and Adam Lee Willis. And my six grandchildren: Baylee Coatney …

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Joseph Willis & the Many “Isms” He Faced

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by Randy Willis Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. —Luke 14:23 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins. He is not for ours only but also for the whole world. —1 John 2:2 When I founded Operation Warm Heart in 1991, I …

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Johnny Rodriguez & Rudy Cisneros

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by Randy Willis Rudy "Cisco" Cisneros opened Cisco's in East Austin in 1948. I was introduced to him in 1972 by Coach Darrell Royal. Here is a photo of our first encounter at Cisco's Mexican Restaurant in Austin. Coach Royal is standing in the center. A young aspiring singer is in the front, far right. …

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Randy Willis: The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You

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by Randy Willis I get a call from Brown Distributing in Austin. They are the local Budweiser distributor. They wanted to shoot the University of Texas Cheerleader calendar in my backyard. They were the sponsor of the calendar. They had sponsored many of the events I produced over the years. They had seen the two …

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Earl Campbell: Dinner for Two?

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by Randy Willis A friend calls and says, "Let's have lunch." We decide to try something new. We drive east on Cesar Chavez, trying to determine what sounds good. We turn right and cross Town Lake. There we spot a Hooters. Have you ever eaten there?" my friend asked. "No." "Me neither, surely they have …

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Darrell Royal and Bum Phillips

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by Randy Willis Introduction June 17, 1994, was a Friday. The event was the Ben Crenshaw, Willie Nelson, Darrell Royal Youth Classic at the Woodlands Country Club near Houston. Two days of golf followed by two nights of music. It would be one of the most memorable weekends of my 60-year friendship with Johnny Rodriguez. …

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Johnny Rodriguez & Darrell Royal

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As I spoke with Coach Royal and Coach Phillips, one of the TVs suddenly switched to a scene in California. Within minutes, the ballroom almost emptied into the lobby. O.J. Simpson was leading police on a wild chase in a white Bronco driven by his former teammate, Al Cowlings. O.J. had a gun to his head.

Read about Johnny Horton's premonitions and tragic death after playing the Skyline Club in Austin. And his friendship with Elvis, Hanks Williams, Jerry Kennedy and his best friend Johnny Cash.

Jerry Kennedy & Johnny Horton

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Read about Johnny Horton's premonitions and tragic death after playing the Skyline Club in Austin. And his friendship with Elvis, Hanks Williams, Jerry Kennedy and his best friend Johnny Cash.

Randy Willis: Sanctified Imagination or Not

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"The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork." —Psalm 19:1

Willie Nelson, Lana Nelson, and Randy Willis. January 10, 1995, Luck, Texas

Johnny Rodriguez and Lana Nelson: Tying the Knot

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Johnny Rodriguez married Willie Nelson’s daughter, Lana Nelson, at Willie’s movie set within sight of Willie’s colossal log home on a hill overlooking Luck, Texas. I was Johnny’s best man. The date was January 10, 1995.

Gordon Kennedy: It all Begins with a Song

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Jack Stapp, Jerry Kennedy, Roger Miller and Buddy Killen, celebrating Roger's 5 wins at the 1965 Grammy Awards.

Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis January 10, 1995, Luck, Texas

Johnny Rodriguez: A Tragedy Beyond Comprehension

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Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis January 10, 1995, Luck, Texas

I called him the afternoon before the event. I wanted to remind him that he was my very special guest. The 92-year-old said, "I will be there as soon as I finish working out this colt." "Breaking a green colt in this 90-degree heat?" I asked. "Yes sir, I had to take a break though after four hours." I explained that I understood. I was mounted on a rank chestnut quarter horse (aka my ole red GMC pickup). I was headed to Brazoria County. I'm not sure if he got my feeble attempt at humor. This coming week, the legendary cowboy will return to the same auditorium. This event will happen on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds. It's his funeral.

Remembering Bailey’s Prairie Kid: A Cowboy’s Legacy

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I called him the afternoon before the event. I wanted to remind him that he was my very special guest. The 92-year-old said, "I will be there as soon as I finish working out this colt." "Breaking a green colt in this 90-degree heat?" I asked. "Yes sir, I had to take a break though after four hours." I explained that I understood. I was mounted on a rank chestnut quarter horse (aka my ole red GMC pickup). I was headed to Brazoria County. I'm not sure if he got my feeble attempt at humor. Tomorrow, the legendary cowboy will return to the same auditorium. This event will happen on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds. It's his funeral.

Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis

Remembering Johnny Rodriguez

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I first met John Rodriguez at Garner State Park in the mid-1960s. I'd been told he could sing, so I asked him to sing a song when we were introduced. He almost always had his guitar with him. As I sat atop a concrete picnic table, he sang passionately Marty Robbins' hit "You Gave Me a Mountain."

Dolly Parton: A Streetcar Named Desire

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In his personal narrative, Randy Willis reflects on his encounters with Johnny Rodriguez, a significant figure in country music, and their shared experiences in places like Garner State Park and New Orleans during the 1970s. Willis recounts their friendship, music performances, and memorable moments, including meeting Dolly Parton as they celebrated Johnny’s chart successes. He also conveys a sense of nostalgia regarding their musical journeys, while exploring themes of friendship, creativity, and the cultural backdrop of Louisiana. Additionally, he emphasizes the impact of community and philanthropy through initiatives like the Johnny Rodriguez Life Enrichment Center.

"As a young boy, attending church was as exciting as watching paint dry," my Grandpa Rand Willis said. "I heard tell the crappie were biting down on Cocodrie Lake. But, this being Easter, they’d have to wait to jump into my boat. Our Dominique rooster’s crowing reminded me I should start loading the buggy for church. I was genuinely excited, for Father had been asked to speak that day at Amiable Baptist Church.

1900 Easter Sunday in Louisiana

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"As a young boy, attending church was as exciting as watching paint dry," my Grandpa Rand Willis said. "I heard tell the crappie were biting down on Cocodrie Lake. But, this being Easter, they’d have to wait to jump into my boat. Our Dominique rooster’s crowing reminded me I should start loading the buggy for church. I was genuinely excited, for Father had been asked to speak that day at Amiable Baptist Church.

Living Water

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The ole preacher stumbles in freshly plowed red dirt, which reaches over his ankles. Aimuewell, who turned twelve in May, held his left arm tightly. He would later say that there appeared to be another holding his frail father's right arm that day. His right side never faltered or stooped an inch.

The Times They Are A-Changin’

by Randy Willis The Times They Are A-Changin'  —Bob Dylan   Vanity is a keyword in the book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, the wealthiest and wisest man of his day. Vanity appears 34 times in Ecclesiastes. Today, when we hear vanity, we think of pride and conceit. We think of an exaggerated opinion of …

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Randy Willis's Family

Valley of Decision

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This is written for and dedicated to eleven people: my three sons (and their wives) and six grandchildren. They are the joy of my life. Anyone else who would care to listen in is welcome.

On November 7, 1944, incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States. On the same day, a boy was born in the tiniest Louisiana village of Dido. Dido was once in the heart of the outlaw and pirate-infested "No Man's Land." The boy's father was overseas fighting for his country in World War II. The following year, the boy's parents divorced. His mother remarried, and the family moved to what amounts to project housing in Orange, Texas. He faces disappointment, heartbreak, and tragedy. But his faith sustains him through it all. At age ten, he accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and surrenders his life to Christ. The boy becomes the winningest coach in Texas A&M history and serves that great university for 53 years. He wins countless awards and accolades and becomes friends with Presidents. How does a poor kid from nothing more than a spot on a red dirt road do all that? By the rich mercy and grace of his Lord and Savior. Today, at age 80, he stands with his "Proverbs 31" wife and helpmate of 25 years at his side. He is a shining example to football players and coaches and exemplifies excellence and character to all of us. His name is Coach R.C. Slocum. —Randy Willis

The Intersection of Faith and College Football

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https://randywillisbooks.com/2025/01/13/faith-and-football/ On November 7, 1944, incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States. On the same day, a boy was born in the tiniest Louisiana village of Dido. Dido was once in the heart of the outlaw and pirate-infested "No Man's Land." The boy's father was overseas fighting for his country in World War II. The following year, the boy's parents divorced. His mother remarried, and the family moved to what amounts to project housing in Orange, Texas. He faces disappointment, heartbreak, and tragedy. But his faith sustains him through it all. At age ten, he accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and surrenders his life to Christ. The boy becomes the winningest coach in Texas A&M history and serves that great university for 53 years. He wins countless awards and accolades and becomes friends with Presidents. How does a poor kid from nothing more than a spot on a red dirt road do all that? By the rich mercy and grace of his Lord and Savior. Today, at age 80, he stands with his "Proverbs 31" wife and helpmate of 25 years at his side. He is a shining example to football players and coaches and exemplifies excellence and character. His name is Coach R.C. Slocum. —Randy Willis