Smith, Gary Mike

Interview 211a : In this interview with Patsy Colbert, Diboll native Gary Mike Smith reminisces about growing up in Diboll. He was a 6th grader during the first year of total school racial integration and played Little League baseball when the program was racially integrated. Mr. Smith recalls his interactions with white and black students, teachers, and coaches, particularly Mrs. Odyssa Wallace, Coach James Porter, Mrs. Bea Burkhalter, Mrs. Beth Stubblfield. He recalls an incident of racial tension during his senior year of high school, in 1975, but doesn't remember very many of these types of problems. He also discusses Diboll Day, his involvement in the Little League program, and his work at the Texas Southeastern Railroad.