Mr. Agriculture — or so he was called by the president of North Central Texas College — was treated to a reception commemorating his nearly 40 years as head of the ag department.
“We’re not saying good-bye, as I’m sure we’ll be seeing him around when we call him for help,” said Eddie Hadlock, college president, of colleague and long-time friend T.J. Davidson, chairman of the NCTC agricultural science department, at a retirement reception Thursday afternoon in the Student Activity Center.
A cake featuring cows, goats, pigs and sheep adorned a table of party foods, which also included cupcakes decorated with cattle ear-tags.
“Hopefully, they’re not the insecticide variety,” Hadlock said, garnering a few chuckles from those familiar with the cattle business.
Davidson, who started the program in 1969 at what was then Cooke County Junior College, oversaw many additions to the program including: developing the NCTC Beef Cattle Evaluation Center and Experimental Farm, organizing the Friends of Agriculture scholarship program, and spearheading the successful Farm-City week program for fourth grade students to learn how food goes from farms and ranches and to the dinner table.
He was awarded the outstanding teacher award in 1996, among many other honors given to him in his long career at the community college.
Davidson recognized many of his guests present, including family members, former students, supporters, area agricultural producers and longtime ag instructor Doug Robinson.
He invoked a Willie Nelson song to summarize his thoughts on retirement:
“You’ll always be on my mind,” Davidson said, meeting applause.
Local News
Davidson retires after 40 years
- Local News
-
-
Randy Travis arrested in Sanger
SANGER — Country singer Randy Travis was arrested Monday morning in Sanger on a charge of suspicion of public intoxication.
-
In Memory of Andy
Gainesville Middle School designated Monday as Andy’s Lakers Day, in honor of Andy Sandoval, a GMS seventh-grader, who recently died of a brain aneurysm.
-
GHS students take top place finishes at academic meet
Several Gainesville High School students had top place finishes at the Ryan High School academic meet on Saturday.
Sophomores Mark Clark and Alexander “Alex” Huerta lead the leap of GHS leopards competing. -
Gainesville woman hit by car
THACKERVILLE, OKLA. — A road collision early Sunday morning near Thackerville injured one female pedestrian, a Gainesville resident whose identification has not been released by officials.
-
Gainesville native fights for justice
IDABEL, Okla. — An Idabel, Okla. police officer — reeling from the death of his friend and fellow officer — is trying to beef up his state’s negligent homicide laws.
-
As deadline approaches, election day unclear
As the Texas primary election approaches, a muddle continues locally and statewide as to exactly when election day arrives.
-
House District 68 candidates present platforms
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a two-part report.
Texas House District 68 representative opponents stressed their intentions to mend local problems via “rural values” during Thursday’s candidate forum -
Cooke County emerges out of drought
For residents in Cooke County, one of the most severe droughts in Texas history is no longer a concern — for the time being, anyway.
-
Souper Bowl a super success
The aroma of some dozen different homemade soups filled the air Sunday in the lunchroom at the First Christian Church in Gainesville.
-
A mother's Love
VALLEY VIEW — She’s a crusader for special needs children and their parents, but Valley View resident Wendi Tipps doesn’t think of herself as a hero.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
