Sunday, October 21, 2001

43 Distinguished ex-residents

A common trait among Corpus Christi natives who made it big, and left - or left and made it big, or were already big, but left - is that they didn't want to leave and, in subtle ways, haven't. Some examples:
   Barry Andrews, beer distributor
   Current residence: Dallas
   Left Corpus Christi: 1994
   Ties that bind: Employs 100 people in Corpus Christi and Alice, is expanding Corpus Christi distributorship, owns a ranch near Sinton. Mother, Jewell Andrews, and brother Trey Andrews and family still live here. Andrews makes contributions to local political races and civic, social and charitable events. Hosted the Cattle Barons Ball, annual American Cancer Society fund-raiser, at his ranch four times.
   On Corpus Christi: "I love the people and the outdoor activities in Corpus Christi, especially the hunting. I always liked the water and the views on a beautiful day. I miss not getting to see my family and friends as often as I'd like to."
   Bill Greehey, chairman, CEO, Valero Energy Corp.
   Current residence: San Antonio
   Left Corpus Christi: 1973
   Ties that bind: Valero operates two refineries in Corpus Christi, one in Three Rivers, employs about 1,000 total in this area. Local business leaders honored him with a "Welcome Home Celebration" luncheon in June. Valero was recently recognized for being the first company to raise more than $ 500,000 for the United Way of the Coastal Bend. Owns a home in Rockport.
   On Corpus Christi: "Corpus Christi is a community that exemplifies the philosophy that 'all boats rise with the tide' because business leaders and elected officials work so well together to keep the city continuously moving forward. In Mexico there is a saying: 'Friends First, Business Partners Second.' This is certainly what my experience has been in Corpus Christi."
   Charles Butt, chairman of H-E-B
   Current residence: San Antonio
   Left Corpus Christi: 1985
   Ties that bind: Owns the Ocean Drive home of his late parents, who founded the company. H-E-B sponsors the Feast of Sharing Dinner, a Christmas Eve dinner that serves about 10,000 meals to those less fortunate or those in need of a festive meal. H-E-B made a $1 million contribution to the Texas State Aquarium. H-E-B also sponsors Operation S.O.S., Supply Our Students, an opportunity for under privileged children to start the school year off with new school supplies.
   On Corpus Christi: "I love Corpus Christi. I can remember riding my bike home from Wynn Seale near Six Points in the afternoon. I still have that old one-speed Schwinn and if you want a good workout, try riding it into the wind about five miles late on a March afternoon." I love Corpus because it will always be a home to me and Corpus people are the best."
   Terry and Bobby Labonte, NASCAR drivers
   Terry's current residence: Thomasville, North Carolina
   Bobby's current residence: Trinity, North Carolina.
   Left Corpus Christi: Late 1970s
   Ties that bind: They list Corpus Christi, not their current residence, as their hometown, which promotes the city every time their bios are listed. Nueces River Park was renamed Terry and Bobby Labonte Park at a special dedication Sept. 26.
   Terry on Corpus Christi: "It is pretty exciting for Bobby and I to have something like that done for us."
   Bobby on Corpus Christi: "We haven't lived there in a long time and it is good that people still think about us."
   Marvin Collins, Retired
   Current residence: Houston
   Left Corpus Christi: 1950
   Ties that bind: Helped behind the scenes in Forward Corpus Christi, which pushed the arena project. Was involved in chartering University of Corpus Christi, which is now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and in establishing Texas State Aquarium. Older brother, Bruce Collins Jr. and family still live in the city.
   On Corpus Christi: "I have been involved in a number of civic projects and take pride in my hometown. Some of the people are the greatest in the world."
  
  

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