Part of Hwy 287 designated as Ernest Tubb Memorial Highway

WAXAHACHIE – A portion of US Highway 287 was designated as Ernest Tubb Memorial Highway during Ellis County Judge Todd Little’s last Commissioner’s Court meeting before stepping down from his seat.

The designated area will be located near Tubbs’ birthplace in Crisp, between I-45 and the Waxahachie city limits.

Tubbs’ long-time associate David Stallings attended the meeting to accept the proclamation.

Little read the proclamation noting Tubbs, at 19-years-old, was already doing radio gigs in San Antonio while also supporting himself at various jobs.

He was eventually successful with several record contracts and music tours, and developed a style while also singing in western movies and on the Grand Ole Opry.

He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1965.

Stallings said after accepting the proclamation, “As a 16-year-old kid, I met Mr. Tubbs at a show in east Texas and decided that night I wanted to be involved in the entertainment business. 

“The first time I booked him I was 16, and he introduced me to other stars such as Ray Price, Mel Tillis, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, and I had the privilege to work with all these folks for over 55 years producing their shows and records. 

“I had always wanted to do something to honor him, and I really appreciate this very much.”