Pop Singer Jessica Simpson Born July 10, 1980in Abilene
Curtis Potter was born in Cross Plains, Texas, but was raised in Abilene. He worked on KRBC-TV and the Bill Fox Show in the mid-'50s. He was also a bandleader for Hank Thompson from 1959-1971.
Jason Thomas, Contemporary Country artist was born in Abilene. http://www.jasonthomasofficial.com/
Rob Smets, world champion Bull Fighter who is in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, lives in Merkel. Rob is now a Rodeo Announcer and covers Rodeo action on TV, too.
Paul and Paula, singers of 1960s hit "Hey, Paula," formed duo while attending Howard Payne Univ. in Brownwood.
Darrin Stout is a country, blues rockabilly singer that was raised in Abilene
ACU Grad, Brown Bannister is a singer, songwriter and producer who has won numerous Dove Awards.
Buck & Patty White, of gospel group The Whites, were married Sept. 28, 1951, in Abilene. Their children Sharon and Cheryl, above were also born in Abilene.
Jeannie C. Riley "Harper Valley P.T.A.," was born Jeanne Carolyn Stephenson in Anson, TX. She made her first public performance, on her uncle's jamboree show.
Country singer Ricky Lynn Gregg is from Abilene
Ronnie Dunn, of Brooks and Dunn, was born in Coleman and graduated from PortIsabelHigh School. Ronnie attended Hardin-Simmons for 2 years before transferring to AbileneChristianUniversity.
Terri Hendrix – Americana Folk Singer – attended Hardin-SimmonsUniversityin Abilene
The Gatlin Brothers spend their time playing in Branson, playing golf and supporting charities, but they always find time to make a trip to Abileneto see their parents.
Matt Dunnam grew up in Haskell and Abilene. He now has his own band, playing Texas Country around the State. Matt returns to Abilenemany times throughout the year to play benefit concerts for the area.
Jody Nix, son of Hoyle Nix, is still in Big Springtraveling the country playing great Western Swing. Jody is in the Western Swing Hall Of Fame.
Daron Norwood lived in Tahoka and then Hawley where he attended school, played football and polished his music skills around Abilene.
Sonny West wrote 2 of Buddy Holly's biggest million seller hits, "Oh Boy" and "Rave On". Sonny moved to Abilenea few years ago.
Bob Lapham A member of "The Picks" who backed Buddy Holly in 1957 on "The Chirping Crickets" album while Bob was at Texas Tech. Bob is retired from the Reporter-News & lives in Abilene.
Brad Baker, Guitar player for Texas Artist Ricky Calmbach, was born in Abilene.
Lyn Collins born in Abilene, Texason June 12 1948, Lyn was the principal voice of the James Brown Revue
Chris Christian Born in Abilene, TxHit the top 40 in 1981 with "I Want You I Need You"
Kelly Keedy Dance/Singer born in Abilene, had a #15 Pop hit in 1991 with "Save Some Love"
Lee Roy Parnell Born Dec 21, 1956, in Abilene, Tx, & raised on a ranch near Stephenville, Tx.
Los Lonely Boys Henry, JoJo and Ringo, three brothers from Snyder & San Angelo
Grant Turner – Born May 17, 1912Abilene, Attended Hardin-Simmons. The Voice Of The Grande Ole Opry. He Was Inducted Into The CountryMusic HallOf Fame (As A Non-Performer) In 1981. Grant died October 19, 1991.
Mason Williams Acclaimed Classical Guitarist born in Abilene, Texasin 1938
Terry Noland born in Abilene, Texasin 1938 moved to Lubbockas a child and went to school with Buddy Holly
Caryl Mack Parker Country Singer born in Abileneand attended ACU
Ronna Reeves, a promising singer in the 1990s. She won the Little Miss Big Spring competition at age eight and was a regular on the Statler Bros. Show for several years.
Rockabilly singer Royce Porter was born April 1, 1939in Sweetwater
Sons of the Desert Raised in Brownwoodand the Big Country
Johnny Moore, from Anson, is a country boy with a talent to write and sing country songs. He started his own radio show at the age of 12 on KDWT in Stanford.
Raymond Bynum founded the 1st high school marching band in Texas, Abilene High, and taught at McMurryUniversity
Shane Stockton, of Breckenridge, had a couple of hits on Decca Records. Shane is now a preacher in Lubbock
Western swing artist and Outlaws & Legends creator Mark Powell and band Lariat continues to call Abilene home.
Janie Fricke's Husband grew up in Abileneat attended Cooper HS
Texas Music Singer Aaron Watson lives in Abilene.
Slim Willet, musician, DJ Hall of Fame and host of the original Big State Jamboree in Abilene
Stuart Hamblin, inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's HOF, ACM Pioneer Award & Hollywood Walk Of Fame, went to McMurry, singer/songwriter, radio/movies & KAYO in Abilene
Rick & Bobby Sikes from Coleman. Rick is in the West Texas Music Hall Of Fame
Joe Ammons, former drummer for Texas Country Band Cooder Graw, grew up in Haskell and is a cousin of Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Holly Dunn was born and raised in San Antonioattended AbileneChristianUniversity. Her 1986 self penned tribute to her dad, Daddy's Hands, put her on the Country Music map.
Sonny Throckmorton is a famous songwriter who has penned tunes like Merle Haggard's "The Way I Am," and numerous other #1 hits. Sonny lives between Coleman and Brownwood
Tommy Overstreet was born on Sept 10, 1937, in Oklahoma City While at the Universityof Texas, he played clubs under the name Tommy Dean From Abilene.
Dean Beard, from Coleman had a band called "The Crew Cats" and also played with "The Champs" who had the popular song, "Tequila". Dean is now deceased.
Darren Kozelsky is from Ballinger and went to ASU. Darren is tearing up the Texas Music Charts
The Hogg Maulies are one of the hot new groups in Texas Music. They are from Rotan, Tx.
Kathy Westmoreland– back up singer to Elvis Presley, he even names her on some of his taped live concerts.
FAMOUS SPORTS PEOPLE
Legendary Coach Gordon Wood 1914-2003 was born in Abilene, Texas, played at Hardin Simmons and coached all around West Texas
Rogers Hornsby Born: April 27, 1896, in Winters National Baseball Hall of Fame
Colt McCoy, former Jim Ned and Texas Longhorns QB was drafted by the Cleveland Browns
Ken Lain, Texas and National Powerlifting Hall of Fame, operates Power Shack Gym in Abilene (cohost on Dox N Jox on sister station 98.1 The Ticket)
Rick Meyers – 2008 inductee in the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame lives in Abilene
Daniel Manning (ACU Football) playing for the Chicago Bears
Rob Smets – 5 time World Champion freestyle bull fighter & Hall of Famer lives here
Jody Dean, public address announcer for the Dallas Cowboys attended Abilene Christian University
John Lackey – Pitcher 2002 World Series Champion AnaheimAngel
Greg Maddux, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs was born in San Angelo
Ray Berry attended Cooper High and played pro football for the Minnesota Vikings. He still lives in Abilene
Sammy Baugh, born in 1914 moved to Sweetwater at 16. First NFL player to intercept 4 passes in a game & only player to lead league in passing, punting & interceptions in same season. In Pro & College Football Halls Of Fame.
Chip Townsend Founder/Chief Instructor TEAM CHIP Tae Kwon Do Centers – 5th Dan Black Belt – 11 ISKA World Titles – ISKA 04 & 05 Ultmate World Breaker Champion
Glyn Ann Townsend 4th Dan Black Belt Team Chip 2005 Women's Overall Grand Champion of Ultimate Board-Breaking.
Jim Parmer, of Abilene, played Running Back for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1948 to 1956 including setting team and league records at the time.
EJ Holub, a member of the College Football and the Kansas City Chieft Halls of Fame, is the son-in-law of Jim Parmer
Bubba Franks, TE for the Green Bay Packers grew up in Big Spring
Ken Blackman, born in Abilene, played Guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jack Mildren, born Oct 1949 in Kingsvillegraduated from CooperHigh Schoolin 1968. Famed QB for OU, played pro ball for Baltimoreand in Oklahoma Sports Hall Of Fame.
Spike Dykes coached High School Teams in Big Spring, Ballinger, and Coahoma along with a long tenure at Texas Tech
David Terrell, Cornerback for the Washington Redskins grew up and played ball in Sweetwater
Glynn Gregory of Abilene, played football for SMU and in 61-62 for the Cowboys
Cory AldridgeGraduated from Abilene Cooper in 1997 and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves
Dominic Rhodes, a Running Back for the Indianapolis Colts attended CooperHigh School. He resides in Abilene, Tex.
Trevor Brazile formerly of Anson, Tx2002/2003 PRCA World Champion All Around Cowboy
Terry Orr, former tight end for UT and the Washington Redskins graduated from Cooper. Terry played in the 1988 and 1992 Superbowls.
Clyde"Bulldog" Turner, played for Hardin-Simmons and then the Chicago Bears 1940-1952, had his number retired and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Justin Snow, Long Snapper for IndianapolisColts & Cooper. Lives in Abilene
Phil Lombardi, born in Abilene, was Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 3rd round of the 1981 amateur draft.
Dave Johnson Born in Abilene, was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 5th round of the 1967 amateur draft and went to Manage. He threw the last out in the 1969 World Series.
More Baseball Players born in Abilene
Bill Shoreswas born May 26, 1904in Abilene, TX
Bill Gilbreth, former ACU baseball coach, was born in Abileneand was Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 3rd round of the 1969 amateur draft.
ACU Football Players Drafted Into The NFL
1985 – Dan Remsberg – Chargers
1983 – Grant Feasel – Colts
1977 – Johnny Perkins – Giants
1976 – Raymond Crosier – Cardinals
1975 – David Henson – 49ers
1974 – Richard Williams – Bengals
1973 – Tom Humphrey – Browns
1972 – Ron Vinson – Saints
1971 – Wayne Walton – Giants
1970 – Chip Bennett – Bengals
1969 – Bob Oliver – Browns
1967 – Bernard Erickson – Chargers
1966 – Larry Cox – Denver
1966 – Mike Capshaw – Los Angeles
1965 – Dewitt Jones – Green Bay
1956 – Paul Goad – San Francisco
1954 – Sonny Cleere – Bears
1951 – Bailey Woods – Bears
Mike Love – Steelers
Wilbert Montgomery – Eagles
Ove Johansson – Oilers
Steve Parker – Patriots
HSU Football Players Drafted Into The NFL
1954 – DC Andrews – Bears
1950 – Wilton (Hook) Davis – Bears
1952 – Gene Offield – San Francisco
McMurry Football Players Drafted Into The NFL
1970 – Charles Tabb – Browns
1951 – Brad Rowland – Bears
WWE Wrestling Superstar Bradshaw was born in Sweetwater
Chuck Harrison, born in Abilenewas Signed by the Houston Colt .45's as an amateur free agent in 1963 and played for the Astros and the Royals
Jim Hall Creator of the legendary Chaparral sports cars, Jim was born in Abilene, Texas, in 1935.
Grady Little Former manager of the Boston Red Sox was born in Abilene.
Former ACU defensive back Danieal Manning became the first ACU player drafted into the NFL in 21 years. He was the 10th pick in the second round by the Chicago Bears in the 2006 NFL Draft.
David Johnson was a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in the early 90’s and now lives in Abilene.
Danny Briggsborn in Abilene, he is one of 2003's newest members of the PGA tour
Trudy Ireland Pro Award winning body builder born in Abilene, Texas, on February 20, 1957.
Pro Golfer Bob Estes, was born in Graham, Texasand lives here in Abilene.
Rodeo clown, Quail Dobbs, of Coahoma, retired July 26, 1998at the Cheyenne Rodeo after 28 consecutive years & 35 years in the business.
Kirk Rogers, who played football for Hardin-Simmons, also played pro football for Kansas Cityas well as in Canadaand in Europe
Pro Golfer Charles Coody is in the Top 31 on the all time money list
Lance Barrow graduated from ACU in 1978. 1997 coordinating producer of golf for CBS Sports and 7 time Emmy Award winner. Lance became a producer at CBS in 1994, working on Super Bowls, Winter Olympics and other major events.
Bob Harrison, born in Stamford, is a former defensive lineman San Francisco 49'ers, the Philidelphia Eagles, and the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a second round draft pick in the 1959 NFL Draft from the University of Oklahoma.
Abilene Christian University Graduates have participated in every Olympic game since 1984
Bobby Morrow went to ACU and was the first American man in 20 years to win gold in 100m & 200m (56 Olympics)
Hall of Fame WR- Don Maynard From ColoradoCity
Cody Lambert, who lives in Merkel, is in the PBR Ring Of Honor.
Dr. Charlie Johnson played football for the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns. 1954 graduate of Big SpringHigh School. He has a PHd in Nuclear Physics.
Ken Coffee of Big Springplayed for the Redskins out of TexasA&I in the late 80's early 90's. .
Ernest Park attended Wylie HS and McMurry. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers and played for Denver, Miamiand Cincinatti. He now lives in Clyde.
"The Mad Bomber" Clint Longley Staubach's backup in 74-75. He completed a last-minute 50 yard winning TD to Drew Pearson Thanksgiving Day against the Redskins. He also played ball for ACU.
Bob Lilly Born July 26 1939, in Olney, Texas. 1st ever draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys. In the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Hall of Fame in 1980.
Kevin Robinzine, sprinter and gold medal winner 1988 Summer olympics 1600 meter relay. Abilene High grad
Don the LAWMAN Slatton former pro wrestler
Jeff Ireland, Cooper class of 1988. Former scout for Dallas Cowboys. GM of MiamiDolphins in 2008
Billy Olson – 11 time World Record Holder in Pole Vault – lives and works in Abilene
TV/FILM/STAGE
Steve Bland, wrangler, expert horseman and wrangler for "The Alamo," "Secondhand Lions" "Grand Champion" and other movies Steve passed away.
Melissa Morgan from The Biggest Loser 9 lives in Aspermont, Tx
Del Shores was Born December 3, 1957in Winters. Hollywood Actor, Writer, Producer and Director
Brad Maule was born October 11 in Rotan. Brad is an actor on GeneralHospital, a regular at the Rehab Telethon and his parents live in Camp Springs.
Powers Boothe born June 1, 1948Snyder, Texas.
1997 Midland Lee graduate and former high school quarterback David Smith also played baseball for McMurryUniversityand is featured on Fox TVs Joe Millionaire
Audie Murphy was from Kingston, Tx. In 1996 the Tx Legislature officially designated his birthday, June 20th, as Audie Murphy Day.
Ann Wedgeworth was born January 21, 1935in Abilene. Ann starred on Three's Company and in Steel Magnolias
Cory Kreig born in Abileneand featured on the VH1 show Bands On The Run
Paige Moss grew up in Abilene. Her grandmother, Naomi Mayfield, lives in Roby. Currently starring on the new ABC sitcom, It's All Relative.
Charlene Holt born in Abilene, she was a beauty queen and actress from mid 50s to mid 60s.
Tex Cobb was born May 7, 1950in Abilene. Cobb's big-budget films have included "The Golden Child" (1985), "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" (1994) and "Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult" (1994).
JB Cook lived in Abilenewhile in fourth grade, and lived several other places before returning to attend AbileneHigh Schooland Hardin-SimmonsUniversity. Producer/writer for Fox sitcom "King of the Hill"
Fess Parker was born in Ft.Worthand attended HardinSimmonsUniversity
Dean Nolan, Hardin Simmons grad, was in the original Broadway cast of Mama Mia
Cris Judd, born in August 15, 1969in Abileneis an award winning dancer and Choreographer. Was married to Jennifer Lopez.
Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza, went to Hardin-Simmons.
Ty O'Neil from Abilenewas in the Mighty Ducks movies
Coby Archa, born in Abilene, was on the CBS Reality Show – Survivor Palau
Abilene native Paydin LoPachin, born Jan 18, 1988, plays "Tennis Girl" in movie "All the Kings Men" with Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Sean Penn.
Victor Aaron Played Ulzana in the Movie "Geronimo"….From Abilene, died in car crash in L.A
Actor Pedro Gonzalez who was John Waynes sidekick in over a dozen movies
Nelson Coates – Production Designer and filmographer. Abilenenative and ACU Grad.
Victor Aaron, actor, played the part of an indian, most notably in the movie Geronimo with actor Jason Patrick.
POLITICS and OTHER
Dr. Bob Hunter, Senior Vice President Emeritus ACU and TexasStateRepresentative
Chuck Fallon as of 2010, President of Burger King North America – McMurry University Class of 1985
Texas Railroad Commisioner Victor Carillo, AbileneHigh Schoolclass of 1982
Former Congressman Charlie Stenholm. Honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, and McMurryUniversities
California Senator Jack Scott was born in Sweetwater, Texas, and graduated from high school there. He met his future wife, Lacretia, while they were students at AbileneChristianCollege=
Sworn in as the state's 47th governor on December 21, 2000, Rick Perry was elected to a four-year term on November 5, 2002. A fifth generation Texan, Governor Perry hails from around Haskell, where farming, ranching and public service run in his family.
Sarah Weddington and attorney Linda Coffee filed the Roe vs. Wade class-action lawsuit on behalf of U.S.women. Sarah attended McMurryUniversityin Abilene.
Billy Sol Estes, once the richest man in Texas, famous in the 60s, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s secret business partner, claims he knows who killed Kennedy, later was sent to jail but wrote a book about it
A.C. Greene,born in Abilene, Texas, was an author of twenty books. He has been a newspaper editor and university professor, and has worked in both television and radio.
Diane Stanley, born in Abilene, is received the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award.
Bill Caubleand Cifford Tinnert of Albany Cowboy Cook's were born and raised in AlbanyTx. They have a Cook book BBQ BISKETS and BEANS. It is all over the world and they do many catering jobs
Author, Speaker and Oprah's boyfriend, Steadman Graham attended Hardin-SimmonsUniversitywhere he played basketball.
Anny Nantandy was born in Abilene, TXin 1927. She is a painter, muralist, sculptor, printmaker, draftsman and poet.
Megan Ewing born in Abileneand raised in Brady, Megan is a top model in the fashion industry.
Charles Passel, long time Abilene resident, helped create the Wind Chill Factor. Passel went on an Antarctic expedition from 1939 to 1941 to study the effects of wind and temperature.
Brad Braune, a renowned western painter, was born in Abilene, Texasin 1951 and lived there until he was 13
Nathan White born in Abilene, Texas, the second oldest of eight brothers and sisters. He was a 1991 graduate of CooperHigh School. Nathan made World news when his plane was shot down and killed over Iraq.
The oldest living triplets are Faith, Hope, and Charity Cardwell were born in Sweetwater, Texason May 18, 1899. Faith died at age 95 years and 137 days, in October of 1994, Charity passed away in 1995, and Hope in 1997.
Western Novelist, Mark Tufts was born in Abileneand now lives in Nevada
Brigadier General Bradley Faver was born in Sweetwater in 1916, GraduatedHigh Schoolin 1933 and received his B.A. at AbileneChristianCollege, in 1937. Retired March 1, 1973. Gen Faver was director, Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council, Washington, D.C.
Laurance L. Priddy, author of the critically acclaimed WINNING PASSION and SON OF DURANGO both published by Sunstone Press, was born in Sweetwater
Master Colorist & Artist Louis Escobedo was born in Sweetwater, Texasand currently resides in Denver, Colorado.
Tom Perini is the cowboy cook to the stars and politicians who owns Perini Ranch Steak House in Buffalo Gap.
Lt. Col. William Edwin DyessHe was born in Albanyand was also laid to rest there. Dyess AFB was named after him.
Former Congressman George Mahon who moved with his family in 1908 to a farm near Loraine, MitchellCounty
Lori Wilde, born in Abilene on June 6, 1958, published over 30 books for Harlequin and Time/Warner.
Winning Texas Lottery Tickets sold in the Big Country
7/3/02 – $9 Million – Merkel
9/10/97 – $8 Million – Cisco
2/5/97 – $35 Million – Stamford
11/27/96 – $50 Million – Sweetwater
6/5/96 – $35 Million – Snyder
5/31/95 – $55 Million – Big Spring
12/31/94 – $10 Million – Abilene
6/11/94 – $28 Million – Big Spring
$6.3 Million – Winters