Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

Jerald Smith of Bogata was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame during a ceremony conducted in Belton earlier this month. He was presented his plaque by Madelyn Thompson, 2010 CRRA Rodeo Queen and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Posse 2008 Rodeo Queen, and Abbi Taylor, the 2009 Bogata Rodeo Queen.
In his youth, Mr. Smith participated in rodeos riding bulls and bareback broncs and roping calves. He then judged rodeos and began working for a stock contractor.
He and his wife of 43 years, Joan, formed the Wing Rodeo Company in 1967. They began the endeavor with one goal in mind; to produce the best, most colorful and most professional rodeos in the country. The company has won numerous livestock awards over the years.
Wing Rodeo’s reputation can speak for itself today, as that goal has been achieved with great success, stressed Jerald Smith. See the April 29 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.