Tag: darrellroyal

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.

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.

About Randy Willis

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Even an Old Bling Hog Finds an Acorn now & Then

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Randy Willis and Darrell Royal Master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith. Randy Willis is as much at home in the saddle as he is in front of the computer, where he composes his family sagas.

Earl Campbell & Randy Willis

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Randy Willis Texas Longhorn Football