Lonesome Dove, Handsome Bill and Alabaster, AL

Patricia:  Yes there is a saloon, just wouldn't be a wild west town without it! 

So sorry to hear of Handsome Bill's passing. He was a great man and will be sorely missed by all who ever were blessed to meet him.  My prayers are with your family!

 

 

Valerie:

I knew Bill when he was a partner with Kimmons Wilson, in Memphis, TN. I was interested in buying the company, "Wilson Graphics." I was not able to complete the purchase, but I was totally captivated by Bill's personality, and his unique SOTHERN style.

When you walked into his office you were greeted by dozens of carrousel horses that he had personally decorated. If Bill welcomed you as a friend he would tell you that he was from LA. To Bill that meant he came from, "Lower Alabaster" AL. He told me about his experiences in Nashville with his daughters unexpected success at Opryland, and their trips to California. To me, Bill was a special man!

I learned today from Coach Larry Simmons that Bill has gone to be with the Lord. I feel honored that I knew Bill and that he considered me his friend. Thank you, Valerie for hosting this website.

God's bless, Danny Ford

251-605-0088

 

Valerie, I found this site today when Mick told me that the sale was Saturday. I am so happy to say I knew Billy Jack Holcombe and what a wonderful man he was. I know it was hard losing him but you are right we will see him again in Heaven and he isn't suffering anymore. I loved him and admired him as a kid when Calvin - my step-father was teaching Wendy to learn to play the fiddle. We would come over and he was always so sweet to me and I played with Cindy, Muley and you and was excited everytime we came to get to see Mr. Billy Jack it was a great treat that I looked forward to and would complain when Wendy would come to the house instead of us going there. I know Wendy and him are having a rootin tootin time up in Heaven as we write this but I can't help but feel sad that the items are selling and that there will be no more Lonesome Dove. I thought when Cindy and Mick ask me to come a while back and I was sick there would be plenty of time to see it later. I had no clue it would be gone one day just like Mr. Billy Jack. It brings tears to my eyes but I know you all have to do what you have to do and life has to go on. I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you all and please tell Cindy and Muley I feel for them now and then for their loss.

 

 

A memorial section to Wendy Holcombe is now being developed which will be placed on our new website, www.HTiMusic.com. The site is not presently complete, but several have already provided us with personal stories of Wendy; pictures of Wendy; etc.; and your help is needed and sought after, if you have anything you'd like to offer and if you desire to be a part of providing fans worldwide with an online dedication to Wendy. Please help if you can. Kindest regards, Harrison Tyner  

Hi Valerie, Our hearts sadden today learning of his passing. Yes he was a wonderful man. The first time we met him he treated us like old friends and welcomed us in.We stopped by out of curiosity to see what he was building. He took us throughout the town and then some. He showed us his leather works,his guns and told us the history of Lonesome Dove. He told us about Wendy and why he built the town. What a wonderful tribute! We also talked about his desire to build a chapel and what he envisioned it to be like. Being a designer myself, I told him I would be glad to draw him up a plan so that he could get a permit. I never got to come out and see it completed, but I m so glad to see the pictures and know that he was able to get it done. We will miss him as will all the people who's hearts he touched. Till we meet again Gerald & Kathy.

I visited Bill one day a few years back.  As a country music disc jockey for many years, I had played the wax off of Wendy's records.  I was hosting Country Gold for the American Forces Network in Europe when she passed away and I always wanted to pay my respects.  Bill couldn't have been more friendly to me.  I felt like family as he took me on a personal tour of Lonsome Dove Ranch and talked about how he built it  and about Wendy and her life.  It was a very special afternoon as we walked and he talked about all his special memories, and about his love of creating great things of beauty in leather.  He was a master craftsman and spent much time showing me his many creations.  Before I left I asked if he would make a horse bridle for me.  He gave me a great big smile and said "Come on back anytime partner."  I didn't make it befoe he passed, but plan to stop by one day soon.   Hopefully I can sit in the Dodge House for awhile and just remember that very special day. 

I met Billy Jack many years ago when he lived in Fox Valley. I was aware of the Lonsome Dove Ranch but always thought that I would find the time to visit and see the wonderful western main street that he built on the ranch. I drove by today and realized that I had waited too long. The buildings are still there but I got the impression that they were no longer accessible to the public. A pity, I would loved to have walked down main street, entered the buildings and rememberd Billy and Scriptualdays gone by.

My grandfather, Joe Cox, helped Bill build these buildings. My mother, Peggy Cox, grew up with wendy and muley. I always wanted to take my daughters up to the ranch and let them see what their great granddaddy helped with. My mom still has a painting that Bill did of her horse. 

Hi! I am wanting to take my son to the ranch but I can't figure out if it's still open. I've been googling it for a while an can't find out much about it. I would love to take some pictures of my little boy here. Is it still open? Thank you!

Hi Valerie, I just saw the story about your uncle on absolutely Alabama. First and foremost, my condolences to you and your family. I googled the lonesome dove I saw your article about the lonesome dove and was very touched. I never new this existed. I hope one day I'll be able to bring my family especially my eleven year old, and all my grandchildren. I know this would blow there minds.Thank you from another Valerie

Is the Town Open to your and walk around. Take pictures of kids. I like in Fox Valley down below the Barnett s. I understand It was Linda Barnett’ S brother that built the town. Would love to bring my granddaughter and take pictures. Just wanted to know it that’s a possibility.