A Salute to William T. Moore, Patriot and Friend - Memorial Day Weekend 1999

It was during Memorial Day weekend in 1999 when the Brazos Valley said farewell to a legendary man. Yes, he was famed in the Texas Senate, or on the campus of Texas A&M and across the lives of many influential people. But the most important role he played was as leader of his family. Senator William T. "Bill" Moore would surely qualify as most worthy among "your most unforgettable character" listing. Not exactly sure where the past 18 years have flown, but today I'm thinking of his beloved widow, the beautiful Babe (or "Mer" to her family) and sending her love.

When "Senator" passed away, the late publisher Bubba Moore (The Press, TV Facts) knew that I had something to say, and most graciously, offered me the space to say it. Bubba's kindness and great sense of community spirit has continued to be on my mind the past month, and so I share this memory that was published for TV Facts' "Flag Day" edition, 1999. Where does the time go? Where indeed...

As you see the cover, the man best known as the "Bull of the Brazos" has such a warm smile. But, oh he could get things done in what Molly Ivins used to call "The Lege." This list would include seeing that women were admitted to Texas A&M University, together with Gen. James Earl Rudder, two men to whom we all owe a sincere debt of gratitude. And one must note the late Bob Cherry, longtime secretary to the Texas A&M Board of Regents, who was one of Senator's closest admirers and greatest friends.