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 

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

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

Johnny Rodriguez: A Tragedy Beyond Comprehension

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

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.

Tennessee Williams wrote A Streetcar Named Desire. I researched “The Desire Line” for a novel at the height of streetcar use in New Orleans. We all ride that streetcar―some never get off. ― Randy Willis

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.

Master storyteller Randy Willis—books about adventure, family, and faith.

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.

The son of a white man and Cherokee slave, Joseph Willis, was born a slave to his father. Joseph gained his freedom and swam the mighty Mississippi on a mule.

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

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