The annual “Passings” post is always a hard one. It is a reflection of some of the people whose actions and leadership have made North Texas flourish beyond the dreams of its forefathers/mothers. But this year seems to be especially poignant. Recently someone worried that North Texas had lost an entire tier of legendary philanthropists, benefactors, influencers and role … [Read more...] about The Passings Of 2019 North Texas Inspirations
A Passing
A Passing: Carol Reed
In an era when larger-than-life blondes like Molly Ivins and Ann Richards were busting through Texas political glass ceilings with the three S’s — savviness, self-confidence and a sense of humor — Carol Reed commandeered everything from four-top table negotiations to plans that changed the face of North Texas. It was mesmerizing to watch her work a conference room. Like a … [Read more...] about A Passing: Carol Reed
A Passing: Robert “Bob” Miller
For longer than anyone can remember the Highland Park pecan tree stood at the crossroads of Armstrong, Preston Road and Lakeside. It had spent its youth growing in height when the late Margaret Crow and Margaret McDermott were just young gals. Over the decades it had weathered all types of storms, both natural and man-made. In late October the grand tree ended its reign as the … [Read more...] about A Passing: Robert “Bob” Miller
A Passing: James “Jimbob” Graham
From the start, Tyler native Jim "Jimbob" Graham showed all the signs of being a one-of-a-kind. At Robert E. Lee High School in Dallas he was an athlete and “Mr. Robert E. Lee.” At UT Austin he graduated with honors and earned his MBA in Finance from SMU. And like many diehard Texans, he went into the oil and gas business, first working at Hunt Oil and Gas and then starting his … [Read more...] about A Passing: James “Jimbob” Graham
A Passing: Mary Lee Cox
It’s rather doubtful that anyone ever described Mary Lee Cox as a “tall drink of water.” Rather, time and time again, the diminutive woman was recognized as a sparkling shot of energy. Mary Lee’s enthusiasm, determination and dedication for community involvement were well-known by grateful nonprofits, hardworking committee members and friends. But that hadn’t been her … [Read more...] about A Passing: Mary Lee Cox
A Passing: T. Boone Pickens
T. Boone Pickens, a pioneering capitalist who built a fortune in the energy industry and then gave away more than $1 billion as a philanthropist, died in Dallas today at the age of 91. The straight-talking, visionary businessman was a larger-than-life presence on the American scene for decades, hailed for his unflagging energy, self-effacing humor and entrepreneurial … [Read more...] about A Passing: T. Boone Pickens
A Passing: Luke Laufenberg
While the Dallas Cowboys are known for giving and taking hits on the football field, today the team took a gut-wrenching blow — the death of 21-year-old Luke Laufenberg, son of Joan and Babe Laufenberg. It was the day after Christmas in 2017 that Texas A&M freshman football walk-on Luke was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia known as Burkitt Leukemia. School was … [Read more...] about A Passing: Luke Laufenberg
A Passing: H. Ross Perot Sr.
H. Ross Perot Sr., the self-made Dallas billionaire-businessman, patriot and philanthropist who died Tuesday at age 89, was among the most consequential Texans of the last century. Besides running twice, in 1992 and 1996, as an independent and then a third-party presidential candidate, he founded two successful computer-services firm and gave away millions of dollars to causes … [Read more...] about A Passing: H. Ross Perot Sr.
A Passing: Alan Peppard
Sunday North Texas got hit by 70 MPH winds that toppled age-old trees, cut off power for hundreds of thousands and left the area in a state of confusion and loss. Most claimed that they never saw it coming. However, it may be that old Mother Nature was responding to the shock of learning that Alan Peppard had died Saturday night. According to his wife Jennifer Peppard, he … [Read more...] about A Passing: Alan Peppard
A Passing: Janet DeSanders
Back in the 1970s, a mighty war was underway in Dallas. It pitted the Times Mirror-owned Dallas Times Herald against the locally owned Dallas Morning News. One of the battle grounds was in society coverage, where a former Dallas debutante and member of the Junior League of Dallas raised the bar to new heights. Her name was Janet DeSanders. In addition to having more connections … [Read more...] about A Passing: Janet DeSanders
A Passing: Faye Chase Briggs
If Pearl “Hostess With the Mostest” Mesta and Mother Teresa had had a brainchild, she would have been Faye Briggs. The little widow with the white hair, twinkling eyes and Texas-sized smile opened more than her checkbook for area nonprofits. She opened her home to help them. While Faye would claim that she was inspired by God, she also understood the challenges facing those … [Read more...] about A Passing: Faye Chase Briggs