b'E d i t o rin the high school Drama program led by the beloved Mrs. Chappy-Wappy Chap-man, for whom he was a great source of pride. Phillips famously portrayed rocker Ritchie Valens in La Bamba, followed by other iconic roles in Stand and Deliver and the Young Guns films. Billy Powell was born in Corpus Christi to a Navy family, who were transferred to Italy when he was still a young boy. After his fathers death, the family moved to Florida where he landed a job as a roadie for an up-and-coming Southern Rock band with the indecipherable name, Lynyrd Skynyrd. After playing a song on the piano between the bands sets, Powell was invited to join as full-time keyboardist, the role he would famously fill for 39 years, until his death in 2009.Several titans of business also got their starts in Corpus Christi, including at leastRed McCombs Peter T. Holtthree professional sports team owners. Red McCombs started his career selling used cars on South Staples Street in Corpus Christi in the 1950s. After moving to San Antonio, he became one of the most successful auto dealers in the country, eventu-ally founding the San Antonio Spurs, and later purchasing the Denver Nuggets and the NFLs Minnesota Vikings. McCombs died at age 95 in 2023. Peter T. Holt was the lead investor who purchased the Spurs from McCombs, the great-grandson of the inventor of the first track-type tractor, which became Caterpillar, the largest dealer of which his family started in Corpus Christi, in 1960. Despite coming from great wealth, Peter Holt enlisted in the U.S. Army during the height of the Vietnam War,John Moores Charles Butt Cal Worthingtonearning a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart in combat.John Moores was the stepson of beloved Caller-Times photographer, Red Moores, and made a fortune in software before buying the San Diego Padres. Charles Butt is the son of Howard E. Butt, from whom he inherited control of HEB Foods, leading it to its greatest prosperity. Cal Worthington became the biggest and most famous car dealer in California. Terry Labonte, a Carroll High School grad, became one of NASCARs greatest champions. G. C. Westervelt was a U.S. Navy engineer who co-founded Boeing, and Clara Driscoll (featured in this edition) saved the Alamo,Terry Labonte G. C. Westervelt Clara Driscolland left the fortune that created a great childrens hospitalall from Corpus Christi!24THECOASTALBENDMAGAZINE TheCoastalBend.com'