Most recently Randy Prince played lead guitar with Gene Watson's Farewell Party Band and during his more than 20 years with Watson, and years with others like Ray Price and Mickey Gilley, he entertained across the U.S. and Canada.
Among his prized memories were those of performing several times at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
In recent months (2008 and 2009) Prince had expanded his horizons to include teaching guitar and it was during one of those sessions that we had an opportunity to meet him.
He graciously allowed us to intrude, taking pictures and listening as he worked with a youngster, sometimes reachng out and gently moving a finger a fraction of an inch on the guitar... always encouraging the 10-year old student.
Within a couple of weeks after we met him, Prince died in a one-vehicle accident in East Texas, not far from his home..
This is simply our limited way to honor the memory of one of East Texas' entertainment jewels. The memory of his talents and personality will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, friends and fans. He was 55.