Eulogy

By Randy Travis

The first time I met with ROY ROGERS was in 1987 at his museum in Victorville, Calif. As the door of our bus opened, there he stood, looking as though he'd just stepped out of one of his old westerns. Very much in awe of this man whom I grew up watching and tried to emulate at times, the only thing I could think to say was, "Ahh, nice to meet you." But Roy was the kind of man who was easy to know and easier to like, so after about two minutes, I was asking questions, and he was answering everything about Trigger, Gabby Hayes, Nelly Belle and his wife Dale Evans. As my wife and I listened to his stories, I saw that the Roy Rogers we saw onscreen--cowboy outfit, white hat, high morals--was the same in person.

I spent time and worked with Roy many times after that. Once, when Roy was a guest in our Nashville home, he came with me to the Grand Ole Opry. I was playing on Roy Acuff's spot, and after a song, I said, "Mr. Acuff, you don't know what's about to happen, but I'm going to introduce someone--Mr. Roy Rogers." The audience stood for a minute and a half. The chill factor was high. Everyone I've met who knew this man has spoken only words of praise. I think who he was, offscreen as well as on, is why Roy Rogers will always remain the "King of the Cowboys."

--By Randy Travis