Kyd’s INC recently hosted their first Living Legends Legacy Awards Banquet honoring six recipients with the awards that hold immense significance as not only are they an honor to receive they are an honor in a legends name. These recipients all had emulating qualities of their predecessors and are certainly deserving of the accolades.
Teri Sakena with Kyd’s INC shared the following information about the banquet on her Facebook page:
Before the recipients were given their awards, the keynote speaker, Val Rhodes gave an awe inspiring dissertation that was befitting for the evening.
The following awards were given: Todd Kirk & Elliot Kirk received Cecil Holman Perseverance Award. As we all know there is no way we can discuss the flats without the notable “Uncle Cecil.” There are so many qualities and fond memories of him it would take quite some time to list them all. We all knew and loved him and respected that he was not only the first black undertaker/funeral home, he left a remarkable legend to live up to for the next generations to come.
Todd and Elliot Kirk have superseded their predecessor in not only continuing what the legendary Cecil Holman Hunter did; we can proudly say they are not only straight outta the flats, they are making major noise outside of the flats. They have truly picked up the torch that was carried from Uncle Cecil to their Mother we all lovingly refer to as Sis and continue not only being black undertakers/funeral home, they are also a crematory; they have a chapel as well as fellowship facilities for the bereaved when they lay their loved ones to rest. They have a location here in Brownwood and one in Abilene as well as a limousine service.
We don’t think it can be said better than the person who wanted to remain anonymous yet the Kirks should know who it is we speak of. A person found out these were one of our award recipients and they want the following to be stated – thank you! Thank you for your unrelenting hospitality and your uncanny knack for going above and beyond anything we ask, wished or hoped for. For not only comforting the family but being certain all their requests are not only made they are made with a courteous congeniality. They said they had a closed casket for their Mother yet you all made her look so good after their private viewing they saw they could’ve let her be seen as you all went beyond what was asked or required of you to give them that peace they needed in that time.
Kudos to you both for being who and what you need to be for so many others and I know I can’t get you to take on my slogan yet we do know that you will continue to do great things in and around our community. We would like to honor you with our Cecil Holman Hunter Perseverance award. There is nothing you can’t achieve when you put your mind to it. Even when it doesn’t seem like it, two has its advantages over one. We wish you nothing but continued success and we are honored that you all are the first recipients of the Cecil Holman Award.
Our Rufus Hardin Redemption Award went to Jan Brown. Rufus Hardin made sure to share his education with others. He not only is a legend in tha flats he was an extremely intelligent man who started his rode to redemption at 13 proving that he was meant to be a scholar and he exemplified that until he left this earth. Jan Brown grew up a sensation in Brownwood. Very talented at football and an all around congenial and charming guy. Jan has never allowed any of life’s mishaps to deter him as he just like Rufus Hardin knew that he had an obligation to fulfill in this life. Their obligation was never to society but to themselves which is the very basis of redemption. In order to be true to another, you must be true with one self. Jan has demonstrated that he knew and understood his life to be a good one and would never allow a mistake to stop him for being the man he was created to be. His past was blessed, he is still here and he had to know his latter was greater than before. Just as Rufus kept going in his quest to redemption Jan has also shown us that we can win and overcome our faults and live out our redemption song. As Marley said, it is the song of freedom. Emancipated from mental slavery, he exudes a clear mind and a determination to move forward. A scholar, hall of famer and all around phenomenal human being that you will always catch with a smile and a helping hand.
Thank you for giving back and teaching those in your path that they can get to greatness without falling off the path and even if they do there is redemption out there for us all. While Rufus used his redemption to save many from ignorance or illiteracy; Jan Brown has used and continues to use his redemption to show that no matter if you fall or not you can not only get back up you can do so with your head held high as what is for you is for you! Kudos to you Jan Brown and congratulations for being the first recipient of the Rufus Hardin Redemption Award. May God continue to bless and inspire you and may your redemption continue to liberate your soul and your light shine on all of us.
Our Benny Houston Top Proprietor Award went to James Galloway, also known as Jimmy. Benny Houston was a man who made things happen. He had his vision and he set his sail and he went with it and worked at it until the job was done. He exhibited in many ways all the things he was willing to do for the community and how to be a trendsetter. James Galloway has embodied Benny Houston with that same optimistic attitude. With sheer will and determination James Galloway has become one of the most successful proprietors of downtown Brownwood. He went from one to many and you will not see him gloat or brag he is simply being the man he was placed here to be just like Benny Houston.
James Galloway, better known in the flats as Jimmy, has a work ethic to be admired just as Benny Houston. For making a difference and being a remarkable example of what is possible if you put your mind to it, we are honored to have James Galloway as our first recipient of the Benny Houston Business Contribution Award. We are honored to give you this award and we look forward to watching you continue to expand and create opportunities.
Kudos to you James Galloway for having a vision and seeing it through to completion and continuing to excel while remaining humble. May God continue blessings of abundance in your life and you continue to follow your sight.
Our Lillie Kimble Exemplary Neighbor Award went to Ernest Kirk. Lillie Kimble was a midwife and a neighbor all could count on. Known to have the remedy for all ailments and her preserves. Just like Mr. Kirk, she was mighty as a lion and still gentle as a bluebird. There is none more deserving of that honor of an exemplary neighbor than Ernest Kirk. Mr. Kirk is known the same way except he is a gentle giant and that same thing he is a neighbor that is not only there when you need him, you can catch him anytime on the lawn mower ensuring that all the grass in the neighborhood is cut. He doesn’t mind helping in any way he can. A voice from heaven and we don’t get too much but just enough to know that God himself has favor on this man.
Mr. Kirk is a very humble man who is just living the life he was set here to live, in his opinion he is just being Ernest, just as Lillie Kimble saw it. Neither looking for notoriety or any gain; simply being what they want to see in others. To be so humble and meek and not look for accolades is sometimes unheard of. We are blessed to know such a mighty man that is so humble. You are a sure example of what the meek are like and one can only aspire to be such a selfless human being. The community loves and appreciates you simply for being you.
Kudos to you Mr. Kirk along with a thank you for being the exemplary phenomenal neighbor that you are and have always been. We thank you and wish you nothing but love, light and blessings. We are honored to give you the Lillie Kimble Exemplary Neighbor Award. May God continue to bless, comfort and keep you good neighbors who are worth more than their weight in gold. None of us will ever be rich enough to do without a neighbor such as yourself.
Our Carol Spratt Spotlight Award went to Brownwood’s Finest. Carol Spratt was known for her get it done tenacity. She made sure that there was always something going on for Juneteenth in tha Flats and she did so for over 10 years. Brownwood’s Finest composed of Prince Thompson, Rich Chris, Chris Thomas and Isaac Thomas has done their due diligence for the past five years counting the one coming up this Juneteenth at the Depot. It is certainly not easy to be sure you think of everything and have something for everyone in doing events. That did not stop the one single year from coming home and turning it all the way up downtown and saying hey we in tha Flats. Let’s do this.
Carol Spratt ensured year after year that there would be events and activities at the park and the center for the entire weekend and ensured family fun. Busy or not she always had a smile that permeated the environment and Brownwood’s Finest can be seen doing the same. No matter if they have had everyone in town participating in the brunch or if it is just their crew who comes home to put it on, they will always be seen smiling and ready to do their part to ensure there is some fun going on in the Woods. They have live entertainment, food, dancing, drinks and an atmosphere that makes you forget you are in Brownwood for a few hours.
We appreciate as well as applaud all your valiant efforts you have put into ensuring Juneteenth we have something to do. We are proud you are the first recipients of the Carol Spratt spotlight award. You definitely deserve it. We love your brunch and look forward to it every year. We want you to know your efforts to ensure we have fun are duly noted and we look forward to partying with you all year after year as you bring some brunches for the books. Carol Spratt would be proud of you all and we say God continues to bless and prosper you all.
Our Smith McArthur Continuation Award went to Renee’ Carrathus & Ravia Mcarthur. Smith McArthur also known as Smitty was known for getting his pit before sunrise and not only cooking but lifting weights and making sure he had his day planned appropriately. He was filled with determination and a will to become a legend and be able to leave his legacy behind to his children. Rachael who most refer to as Nae Nae can be caught with a smile and can do attitude running the pit. Lucky for her she doesn’t have to tote the load her Father left alone as she has her brother Ravia who is there to also be sure that pit is set to go everyday as well as fill in when and where he is supposed to.
It is hard to be oneself let alone to become one with a sibling to fulfill a dream that was instilled in you both. Smitty’s BBQ is known to help and donate when and where they are needed. They donate food, time and the like which is not only something they can’t get back, it isn’t something they are looking for in return. They know their return is in their service and the continuing of the legacy their father Smith McArthur began. It is commendable of this duo to pick up the torch and continue to carry it on in honor of Smith McArthur.
Smith McArthur is a notable legend not just of the flats also of Brownwood as he went that extra mile to do what others weren’t doing so he could have today what those others do not.
Rachael and Ravia, not only the Flats, Brown County is appreciative of you for taking on such a dynamic role, not just for a namesake but with a love and a desire to continue to fulfill those dreams. The fact that you make siblings moving as one look so simple and we are all thankful for it.
Kudos to you Rachael & Ravia for being the first and most befitting recipients of the Smith McArthur Continuation of a Legend Award. May God continue to guide you both on your journey and quest to greatness and may you know we are thankful to have you as a part of our community. As Martin Luther King stated “whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” Looks like you all are on the correct path of continuation. Many blessings of abundance and love to you both.
