By Doug Fincher

“Knowing Something For Sure” by Doug Fincher

September 18, 2023 - Mrs. Era Miller, former English Department Director at East Texas Baptist University, was my favorite teacher… ever. I took courses in World Literature, English Literature and courses in Shakespeare, Browning and Tennyson from her. I remember well how she often compared Browning with Tennyson.

“Me and Old Smokey” by Doug Fincher

September 11, 2023 - I got my first (and only) school paddling in 1947 when I was a freshman at the Center, Texas High School. When Mrs. Menefee asked us to raise our hands if we had done our homework, everyone raised a hand… except me… and Frank Bryan Cooper. And when she told us to “go to the office,” we both knew we were about to face “Old Smokey,” Mr. Malone’s paddle.

“My Painted Throat” by Doug Fincher

September 5, 2023 - In 1950 at the age of 18, I hitch-hiked to Springfield, Missouri with three dollars in my pocket. I persuaded the College to let me enroll with the promise to pay as I could for a room in the dormitory. I was given a room shared with Don Walker of Tyler, Texas. It was complete with a lavatory, a Panel-Ray Heater a washcloth, a towel, a broom, and two bunk beds.

“My Dad’s Button Willow” by Doug Fincher

“He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree.” Ezekiel 17:5

“My Brother That Was Shot Twice” by Doug Fincher

August 14, 2023 - Considering the fact that our family was large (10 children) John was the only one of us who ever broke a bone. And not only did he break his leg while walking through a planer mill, he was the only one of us that was shot… twice.

"A Dollar from God" by Doug Fincher

“Your Father knows your needs…” Matt. 6:8

"My Sister Talked to Lizards" by Doug Fincher

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you...” James 4:8

"Getting What We Pay For" by Doug Fincher

“Salvation is the gift of God… not of works, lest any man should boast…” Ephesians 2:8

“Our Trusty Slingshots” by Doug Fincher

"Gordon Peavy" by Doug Fincher

“… you’ll have treasure in heaven..” Luke 18:22

July 3, 2023 - Gordon was San Augustine’s finest truck farmer. He farmed in the Patroon Creek bottom and occasionally on the old Horne place. He taught me to drive a tractor, tie turnip greens with bear grass and know when a watermelon’s ripe.

Shelby County Today

Menu