Explore the untold stories and friendships captured in 'Johnny Rodriguez: The Rest of the Story' by Randy Willis, a journey through music and memories.
Tag: juliettewillis
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.
Angelic Protection
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
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
"Hell is empty and all the devils are here." —The Tempest, a play by William Shakespeare
Jimmy Day & Jake Willis: Men of “Steel”
Jimmy Day with Elvis, Hank Williams Sr. and my dad, Jake Willis.
Jerry Kennedy & Johnny Horton
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.
Johnny Rodriguez: A Streetcar Named Desire
Randy Willis reflects on his life experiences and friendships, particularly his encounters with singers Johnny Rodriguez and Dolly Parton. Their camaraderie began in Garner State Park during the 1960s and evolved through shared experiences including a memorable Mardi Gras trip in New Orleans in 1974. Randy Willis shares anecdotes about their musical journeys, the charm of Louisiana, and the creation of songs and books inspired by their experiences. Randy Willis emphasizes his connection to storytelling, influenced by his ancestors and significant cultural events, ultimately linking his writing to themes of adventure, family, and faith encapsulated within his memoir and award-winning books.
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.
Joseph Willis: The Half-English, Half-Cherokee Pioneer
What race was my 4th Great-Grandfather Joseph Willis?
Angel of Light
I've taught my children and grandchildren "If you play with a rattlesnake, you are eventually going to be bitten." Randy Willis
Discovering Our Identity and God
Who am I? and Who is God? by Randy Willis
Understanding the Deity of Christ
“All things have been created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 Christ is the “glue” that holds all things together. These five galaxies in the below photo are said to do a “cosmic dance” caused by gravity. Scientists still don’t fully understand how gravity works at the quantum level. It’s accurate to say that “no one fully understands gravity” in the most complete sense. It remains one of the great mysteries in physics. Really: “All things have been created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17
An Extraordinary Destiny
You're invited—to an extraordinary destiny!