‘GOOD BYE OLD FRIEND’

The Muy Grande's longtime friend, Willie H. Esse, Jr., passed away on Aug. 11, 2010 at his home in Campbellton, TX. Willie was married to Margaret Benke Esse.

Willie was a life time member of the Muy Grande Deer Contest and was inducted into the Muy Grande Hall of Fame in 2007.

He was a farmer and a rancher raising commercial and registered cattle and show calves. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and enjoyed the Livestock Show circuit.

Though he was in a wheelchair for 57 years from polio, he thoroughly embraced life. He was a life long member of the Fashing United Methodist Church and served on their board. He also served many years on the Board of Directors of First Nichols National Bank in Kennedy, TX.

Willie won many Muy Grande awards throughout the years of the deer contest.

In the 2009-2010 hunting season alone, Willie won Top Story of the Year, 180 + Club, and the "No Guts-No Glory" Award in the Open Division for his 191 gross trophy buck.

A special tribute of Willie is on the video "The Legend of the Muy Grande Part II."

Willie will be tremendously missed by Muy, Elda, and family.