Shooting hoops cont... Continued from page 8


able around campus as well, but mainly because they were some of the school’s few students with cars. Blocker’s dad owned a Ford dealership in Texas. Both Lawrence and Parker entered


Hardin-Simmons on the G.I. Bill in 1946 as World War II veterans. Blocker, a few years younger, entered the school as an 18-year-old freshman, vying for time on the school’s football team. However, the Cowboys’ football


team was stacked in 1946 with other players also on the G.I. Bill who had experience and age on Blocker. Te team went unbeaten that year. Blocker found other avenues, including his post as vice president for the school’s fresh- men class. While Blocker was known for his


athletics, Parker had already begun dab- bling in acting, and Lawrence remem- bers him socializing with the school’s drama and music students. “[Parker] was not involved in athlet-


ics. In fact, he wasn’t a very good bas- ketball player,” Lawrence said with a laugh. Te intramural teams the trio played


on were not set squads, and the games were more akin to an open gym. Te three became acquaintances on the court, although Lawrence said he nev-


er saw either one again after the 1946 school year. Frustrated by his lack of playing time


on the football team, Blocker transferred and later graduated from Sul Ross Col- lege. He entered the Korean War before landing his iconic role on “Bonanza” in 1959. He played the character up until his death in 1972 from a pulmonary embolism. Parker transferred to the University


of Texas and eventually studied acting at the University of Southern Califor- nia. His role as Davy Crockett with Disney became television’s first mini- series although the term had yet to be coined. He later played Daniel Boone on television as well. Parker died in March of natural


causes. In his later years, he became a noted winemaker and shared a non- profit food organization called the Buf- falo Gap Wine and Food Summit with Tom Perini, a man Lawrence shared a


One-day baseball camp North Buncombe High School will host a one-day fielding and bas-


erunning camp Saturday (April 3) for players in grades 1 through 12. North Buncombe head coach Wesley King will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Te session will last for three hours. Te cost is $50. Space is limited. Registration is now un- der way. For more information, call toll-free 866-622-4487.


DR. GREGORY A. GODLEY FAMILY DENTISTRY DMD


Fess Parker stands in front of his California winery. Contributed photo.


kinship with as former fellow board members of the American Red Cross chapter in Abilene. Lawrence had con- sidered attending their annual festival this month before Parker’s death. He remembered both for being good


men on and off the court. “Everybody liked them,” Lawrence


said. Lawrence’s connections at Hardin-


Simmons do not stop there. Also in the incoming class of 1946 was Winston Moore, who later became known as disc jockey and songwriter Slim Willet. Willet wrote the hit song “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes.” Lawrence returned to Hardin-Sim-


Dan Blocker, pictured on the set of “Bonanza,” passed away in 1972.


mons as a teacher for several years where one of his students was Harvey Catch- ings, who later went on to a successful professional basketball career with the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks, among other teams.


Tere is another Davy Crockett connection to North Buncombe, Wellness, Solid Gold


Wysong, Nature’s Variety, Raw Frozen EVO, Innova,


California Natural


Herbal remedies Flower Essences


Homeopathic Remedies


although this is to the actual Crockett. Te Dry Ridge Museum once owned a book called “Domestic Medicine” that was signed by Crock- ett. Te book has been missing since 1997. It was on loan to the muse- um from Margaret Pickens, who was related to Crockett through the Patton family. Crockett’s second wife was Elizabeth Patton. Anyone who is in possession of this book can contact Jan Lawrence at 658- 3934. No questions will be asked.


Now Accepting New Patients! Hours


8 am - 5 pm Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri.


Closed Wed. (Lunch 12 - 1) 165 North Main St. Weaverville, NC 28787 828.645.5009


Formerly McKinney Welding Supplies 271 Haywood Street • 828-252-4270


www.weavervilletribune.com April 1 - April 7, 2010 - THE TRIBUNE 9


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