Explore the captivating tale of Johnny Rodriguez and a fateful goat rustling incident at Garner State Park, filled with nostalgia and friendship.
Tag: johnnyrodriguez
Johnny Rodriguez & Jesus
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.
Johnny Rodriguez Biography
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
Dedicated to Johnny Rodriguez, Corky Parker, Donald "Don" Sweat, and Bob "Bullet" Naegelin. And Charles Gammill, Thomas "Twig" Phillips, and Glen Hardwick.
Randy Willis: Garner State Park & Our National Parks
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
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
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.
Darrell Royal and Bum Phillips
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. …
Johnny Rodriguez & Darrell Royal
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.
Jimmy Day & Jake Willis: Men of “Steel”
Jimmy Day with Elvis, Hank Williams Sr. and my dad, Jake Willis.
Johnny Rodriguez and Lana Nelson: Tying the Knot
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: A Tragedy Beyond Comprehension
Johnny Rodriguez, Lana Nelson, Willie Nelson, and Randy Willis January 10, 1995, Luck, Texas
Remembering Johnny Rodriguez
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
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.
About Randy Willis
Master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith. Randy Willis draws on his family heritage of explorers, settlers, soldiers, cowboys, and pastors. He upholds the tradition of loving the outdoors. He shares this love in the adventures he creates for readers of his novels. He is the author of two biographies and his new memoir, To the Best of My Recollection. Randy Willis has written many books, including Destiny, Three Winds Blowing, and Beckoning Candle. He also wrote Twice a Slave, Texas Wind, Louisiana Wind, and The Apostle to the Opelousas. He also wrote The Story of Joseph Willis and To the Best of My Recollection, and many articles.
Polk Willis & Anna Canady Willis
Anna Canady, 17, and out of harm's way on the Red River. The dirt is gone, but not her fears. Her Irish red hair can be seen for the first time in years. She soon meets a brash young boy, her junior, whom she does not understand. He will become the second most important person in her life, forever.