Several things I must admit that I liked about Fess Parker. Some because they are in common with my life while others because he was an honorable man, beside enjoyable to watch in his TV roles or the many movies he performed.

Any Sailor or Marine could appreciate how Fess served in both branches during the end of WW II. He joined the Navy desiring to be a pilot. Surely had the Navy built the planes to fit the 6'6" man that Fess was, he would be flying. However, the Navy doesn't so he applied to be a tail gunner. If you can't pilot the plane, maybe just flying would satisfy him admiration. However, Fess was one Tall TEXAN, and flying as pilot or gunner was out of the question. The Navy transferred Fess to the Marine Corp as a Radio operator in the South Pacific just before that August 6th, 1945 dropping of the Atomic Bomb.

Of course he like most men of his age was discharged from service after the end of the war. Fess went on to college at one of my favorite colleges, the University of Texas graduating with his BA in history in 1950....Go LONG HORNS. However, one has to be born in Texas to fully understand what being from Texas means. The is a birth right attitude and pride where everything is bigger in Texas. Fess surely is one on those many "BIGGER" reason to be proud one's from Texas as he was born in Forth Worth, the true Cow town of the trail drives and American Wranglers.

Of course my first knowing the name of Fess Parker didn't come from ever having the opportunity to meet him or say he was my personal friend. To me, he was the legendary Tennessean HERO, Davy Crockett that fought at the ALAMO. I enjoyed he portrayal role sitting on the floor watching the Black and White TV screen and later loved his role as Daniel Boone as he worm his buckskin attire and carried his large Kentucky musket rifle. They even made a TOY MUSKET call "Old Betsy" and Coonskin caps. I recall asking my mother if I could have one of those cheap musket cap guns while shopping at Woolworths. Of course, she said no and that was the end of that. Although I will never forget about the man who was larger than life playing the roles which impacted many boys and girls who watched his TV show or movies. He played by the code of the West. To be honorable. To be kind. To be with courage. I believe Fess Parker was that and much more.

His role playing Crockett changed his life forever, his dreams did not stop with television or movies. He built a quality vineyard named the Fess Parker Winery in Ynez Valley, California. They also farm an additional 700 acres on four vineyards near Santa Barbara, Ca. TV Star, Actor, Cowboy, Winemaker...He will be missed, but I will always remember him most because he was a Texan....

I really think that although he wasn' the best cowboy actor he was still one of the greatest and that he will always be the best Davy Crocket.

WOW!!! what a great story Concretecowboy. I have always thought that Fess Parker would have been like that in real life. Its nice see that I was right. He always seemed to be someone that would be easy to talk to.Of all the actors I like He would be in my top five.

Wow I can remember watching that as a kid. Been years since I have seen it come on tv. He was a great actor. Will definitely be missed.