Resident Pedals a Neighborly Spirit One Street at a Time

Bobby Larry

Black Horse Ranch Resident Pedals a Neighborly Spirit, One Street at a Time

By Patricia Hudson

If you live in the north section of Blackhorse Ranch, chances are, you’ve seen an affable burly gentleman pedaling through the neighborhood on a chartreuse three-wheeled tricycle. Curious, I began asking my neighbors if they knew his story. Through some keen sleuthing on my part, and a chance sighting by my better half, I grabbed my car keys and drove off in pursuit. I found him doing what he does so well: connecting with his neighbors. “I’ve met and talked to many, but mostly neighbors recognize the bike which I tend to ride 4-5 times per week,” grins Bobby Larry.

Where did you grow up, Bobby?

My hometown is West Point, Mississippi, a very small place located in Clay County.

Siblings?

I have 14 sisters and brothers, of which I am the third oldest son and fifth in the order of the 15. There are 5 sisters and 10 brothers.

Favorite family memories?

One favorite family memory involves preparing food to feed a family of this size; the boys were required to help in the preparation along with the sisters. Our meals consisted of many veggies which were grown in our garden, canned during the summer months, and stored primarily in mason jars for the winter. Usually, a pig and chickens were raised as a protein source.

Working Together

Our family raised cotton to supplement our father’s income from his night shift at the livestock place. Our ambition of being cotton farmers was terminated after the fields were planted one spring. It rained daily for several weeks; the crops were ruined due the lack of weed control. Since there were many boys, our father found daily work from the neighbors, cleaning weeds from the fences, cutting grass and hay baling. I can vividly recall earning $4 per day for this laborious task. Our wages were given to our mother to help supplement the basic needs of life. Mother was very strict with her boys; she was the disciplinarian and had a very quick right hand. We were instilled with the value of hard work and education. The philosophy was if we were kept busy, there was no trouble one could find.

Where did you receive your education?

I graduated from Mississippi Valley State University (HBCU) with a major in Industrial Education and a minor in psychology. My mother continuously inspected report cards, expecting “As and Bs.” I graduated at the top of my class and was selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

What career path did you follow?

I chose to become an architectural engineer, but was unable to find work in my hometown. I searched the

Bobby with neighbor, Rick Burnett. Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

papers for any opportunity and was hired by a real estate appraisal firm doing work for Clay County. Once this assignment was completed, the company relocated me to Gastonia, North Carolina. In January 1983, I relocated to Houston, Texas, working for both Fort Bend and Harris County Appraisal Districts.

Settling Down in BHR

Black horse Ranch was the neighborhood that offered a onestory house with a three-car garage. I owned three classic cars at the time, but later discovered it was too much work taking care of all three. Two of the cars were sold, but I kept my old classic car, a 1968 Dodge Charger. I drive it when the heat is not so extreme. I have lived in BHR for three years.

Your yard is the envy of gardeners. Do you do the work yourself?

I learned gardening from my grandmother and mother whom taught me the basics of gardening. In order to get the fruit, one must treat the root. Truly, I’m not a gardener but love engaging due to it being therapeutic. I enjoy planning the garden. People buy these big, expensive plants; I know how to take a smaller plant and grow it to something beautiful. My veggies always get compliments.

Connecting with neighbors is what you do.

I’ve met many nice families. Rick and Kelly Burnett next door are always helping me with the mail and trash can, and the food! They are excellent cooks. Truly, it a blessing to have them Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson as neighbors, offering to help due to my limited mobility. Rick has nothing but nice things to say about their neighbor. “Bobby is a very kind soul with laughter and smiles throughout his world. He appreciates life and has an incredible green thumb. I call him my brother; we have a lot of fun times laughing at the world. Why can’t life be this simple between neighbors and friends?” There are others that willingly offer their assistance. John and Pam live several doors down. Their dog Lucky knows when it’s time to go walking. Brian and Maria are very

down-to-earth people, good neighbors. Doug and Claire came to my rescue one day when the seat on my bike broke; Claire surprised me by pushing my bicycle back home. As I ride around the neighborhood, I try to engage with others. Some smile and speak, but others look past and don’t see me. I want to reach out to them, and let them know me.

Aside from riding your tricycle, how do you fill your days?

My hobbies are reading and tending to my plants, along with staying physically active. I also enjoy traveling; my destination of choice is Jamaica. My favorite music is old school R and B with Jazz: Bobby Bland, Brian Culbertson, The Crusaders. My favorite TV shows are NaTGeo and Discovery Channel; I’m a nature lover and enjoy photography.

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.