Central Texas Tolbert Chili Group



Jimmy Ray Goodson, of Alvarado, TX died peacefully in Fort Worth on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at the age of 80, due to kidney failure. His youngest daughter and son-in-law were by his side and he had been surrounded by his children earlier in the day.

Jimmy was born on September 14, 1937 in Texarkana, TX to Lucian Ralph and Berdie Mae (Southerland) Goodson. He attended Texas High School in Texarkana, class of 1957. Jimmy married Winona 'Noni' Turner on September 30, 1961 and they had five children together who were raised in Arlington. They parted ways in the mid 1990's but harbored no hard feelings toward each other. Jimmy even pointed Noni out at a recent Goodson-Erwin family reunion and said "That's my favorite ex-wife over there" with a smile on his face. Before moving to Alvarado in 2000, he lived mostly in Arlington and for a short time in Fort Worth. Although Jimmy wouldn't openly discuss religion or politics, as a general rule, he did state in recent months that he was ready to go when God was ready to take him. He had a long and very full life.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents Lucian Ralph 'Pappy' Goodson, Sr. in 1977, Berdie Mae in 1940 (along with the twin boys she was giving birth to), and his "Mama", Nora (Erwin) 'Goodsie' Goodson in 1983; sisters - Dorothy in 1932 and Molly (Guyton) in 1981; brothers - Jack in 2007, Bill in 2009, Lucian Jr. 'Bosco' in 1989, Gene in 2017, Lee Erwin in 1983, and Eli in 1990. He was also preceded in death by his little buddy, George, who was his best friend from 1976 to 1988. Jimmy was truly heartbroken when George had to be put down and never had another dog after him.

Other than two stays in England when his mother-in-law was ill, and after her passing, Jimmy worked for Blackmon Mooring-Steamatic or for Steamatic, Inc. for the majority of his working years. He worked nowhere else since 1970 and retired from Steamatic, Inc. on his 78th birthday, in 2015. The plaque he was given when he FINALLY retired said it all... "Over 50 Years of Service" because no one really knew for sure how many years he had worked there. His last boss, Bill Sims, said just a few weeks ago, "Jimmy could never be duplicated. He could listen to a machine over the phone and know what was wrong with it and what part numbers were needed to fix it." His job had him traveling all over the country, which he loved, and he took thousands of pictures during his off time on all those trips. He loved photography, as a hobby, and was always happy to share pictures with anyone who wanted to see them... especially pictures of unusual things from his many travels. Prior to working for BMS, he worked for Pfizer in the 60's for a short time and the Navy Exchange. Jimmy always worked hard to provide for his family.

Jimmy was a patriotic man who loved his country and had great respect for those who served our country, as he was unable to serve though several of his family members did. His number one favorite song was our National Anthem and he would go out of his way, even crossing a street, to thank a veteran. He loved good music, had a large collection of albums and cd's including something from almost every genre... Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Ray Price, Johnny Cash, Simon & Garfunkel, Marty Robbins, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Vikki Carr were some of his most loved. Jimmy loved "real country music" as he called it, and good music in general. He followed the Texas Music circuit, attending several music festivals with some of his favorites being Houston Marchman, Larry Joe Taylor, Tommy Alverson and Mark David Manders. He heard a young girl, about 10 years old, singing around a campfire during one of these weekends, and was (in his words) amazed by her voice. He said at that time "That little girl is gonna be big one day. I just hope she takes her time and does it right" She did just that and he was proud as he could be when he saw her on the CMA Awards show in 2017, "little Maren" as he called her, Maren Morris. His photography came into play during this time too, but it was pictures of people then. Friends at these outings called him "Picture Man Jim" and he would be seen, most of the time, with his Nikon, Minolta or Canon around his neck.

In the late 90's Jimmy took a trip to Terlingua, TX in November during the International Chili Cook-Off weekend. He went for the music and people. Eventually he was talked into cooking chili and started competing throughout the year earning points to compete at the Original Tolbert International Chili Cook-off. We believe the first year he actually competed was 2004. Jimmy didn't compete for the trophies, plaques or ribbons. He did it because it was fun and he made lots of friends. It's been said by a few that he would get his chili started then walk around talking to everyone. He entered other competitions in Terlingua a few times, just for fun... beans, salsa and margaritas. Twice his salsa got him a first place trophy and he gladly shared that recipe with anyone who asked for it. He went to the cook-offs for the people and to help with the different charities the cook-offs support mostly, and getting points to qualify for Terlingua was just a bonus. That's also what he told Lauri, when he started suggesting that she should cook with him rather than just coming to "hang out with her old Daddy". He said, "If you're gonna do it, do it for the fellowship and fun. Getting points is a bonus." She and her husband joined him in Terlingua in 2016 just to hang out and she "got the bug" so to speak. In 2017, Jimmy & Lauri competed together as the 'Texas Bred Chili Heads' in several cook-offs and both placed in the top 10 in several as well. He told her before she competed about all the rules and, especially, not using "chili mixes" that you just add to your meat. He said, "If you're gonna cheat, don't compete. There is no honor in cheating." That rule went for everything in life.

Jimmy never met a stranger, as stated by several people during the time he was in hospice before his passing. He would just walk up to people and strike up a conversation with them. That's how he met Fritz Rahr, when Fritz was delivering kegs of Rahr's Ugly Pug Beer to Ye Olde Bull & Bush, and ended up volunteering at the brewery bottling beer on Sunday afternoons. That eventually led to him getting his TABC license, serving beer and passing out glasses during the brewery's tour and tasting events. He made friends at the Bull & Bush from the time it opened in 1999 as well. At the Flying Saucer in Fort Worth, he made several friends and was somewhat of a surrogate grandpa to several servers there. He loved to talk to people, and he could just about talk your ear off, but he was a humble man. He was more interested in their story than he was in talking about himself, although he loved talking about Terlingua and chili. He told people "If you want a glimpse of paradise, go to Big Bend country and stop in Terlingua too". He made many friends over the years, with a large number referring to him as part of their family. There were about fifty people, other than his children, who came by to visit him during his last two weeks with us, with some driving over two hours to come see him. He made a real big impression on so many people and probably didn't realize just how deeply he was loved and admired by so many.

Jimmy is survived by his children - Sandra Goodson, Danny Goodson, Lauri West (and husband Robert), David Goodson and Philip Goodson; sisters - Helen Hildebrand of Granbury, TX and Loy Helen McDonald (and husband Lon) of Fordyce, AR; brothers - Arlis Erwin of Dallas, TX and Dale Erwin (and wife Alice) of Corsicana, TX; sisters-in-law Glenda (Eli) Goodson of Arlington, TX and Evelyn (Gene) Goodson of Mansfield, OH; Grandchildren - Anthony Bosch (and wife Destiny), Jeffrey Bosch, Jaclyn West, Derek West and Joseph West (and wife Nikki); Great Grandchildren - Brayden, Kaydence, Elizabeth and Connor; former wife and mother of his children, Winona 'Noni' (Turner) Goodson; numerous nieces, nephews, and his other 'families'... Steamatic and all the franchises, Central Texas Tolbert Chili Group, the Rahr Brewery, several folks at Ye Olde Bull & Bush, and the Flying Saucer. There are several who held a special place in his heart and we're sure he made it clear to them.

The family would like to thank the staff at Community Hospice of Texas for the care they showed for Jimmy, as well as for family while there. A big thank you also goes out to the friends of Lauri & Robert who brought food without being asked, those who came to just be there for moral support, and others who called or came by almost daily with hugs.

Jimmy made prior arrangements for his cremation and made it very clear that he did NOT want a funeral. Therefore, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the Rahr Brewery, 701 Galveston Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. Family and friends of Jimmy's, as well as friends of his family members, are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider bringing donations for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) or St Jude's Hospital to Jimmy's Celebration of Life. These are the two organizations that held a special place in his heart.



With heavy hearts we pass on the sad news of Alan Greiner's passing on April 18th after a year-long battle with Alzheimer's.   Please keep each other in each other's hearts, okay?

Alan L. Greiner
October 24, 1947  -  April 18, 2017

Life Legacy

Though he may not have lived what could be described as an extraordinary life, he was an extraordinary man. Alan Lloyd Greiner was carefree and happy. Even when ailed by pain, he was the light and life of the party. At any point, for however length of time, Alan was a man you instantly knew to the core. He saw beauty and grace in life.

Only one year after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Alan joined our Father in heaven on April 18, 2017 at the young age of 69. Though he had dealt with pain and multiple back surgeries since 2001, Alan remained strong and good spirits. He simply enjoyed living and spending time with family and friends.

Alan Greiner grew up in Seguin, moved to San Marcos, and later to Austin and Round Rock, TX. He worked for Henna Chevrolet in Austin, TX for over 30 years. He officially retired in 2016. In 1996, Alan met his wife, Phyllis, in the singles group at Riverbend Church. Three years later they were married in their home in Round Rock, TX surrounded by family and friends.

Alan was known for many things. He would first and foremost proudly tell you he was the “Chili King” after having won 1st Place in the Original Terlingua International Championship in Terlingua, TX in 2001. He and Phyllis loved attending chili cook-offs. They not only cooked chili, but also competed for many years in showmanship. Alan emceed the International Championship for several years through 2016. In addition to 1st Place at Terlingua, Alan also won 1st Place at Tolbert Texas Mens State Chili Championship in 2014 and countless other awards in both chili and showmanship. Besides being the “Chili King”, Alan loved to fish, DJ music, sing karaoke, play games, and anything else that made everyone around him have a good time.

Alan Greiner is survived by his wife of 17 years, Phyllis. He is also survived by his three children, Stacy Penner, husband Rich and child Mason of Allen, TX; Justin Greiner, wife Lis and children Trevor, Tyler, Veronica, and Dylan of Pflugerville, TX; and Wendy Prindle of Round Rock, TX.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Beck Funeral Home in Round Rock (15709 RR 620). A Life Celebration will immediately follow at the home of Phyllis Greiner.



     Sad news.  Randy Rheinhardt from Canyon Lake passed away October 5th.  





Jo Ann Horton, 74, of Kerrville, Texas passed away on February 8, 2016. She was born in Greenville, Texas to John and Syble Murphy on June 26, 1941. She married Troy Richard Horton on August 24, 1968 in Houston.

Mrs. Horton graduated from A&I College [now Texas A & M] in Kingsville, Texas with a degree in Art Education and a minor in English. She was named Miss A&I College for 1960. Mrs. Horton had a long, successful career in writing and editing. She moved among the stars…actors, singers and even astronauts, in her capacity as Editor of Houston Monthly Magazine, and owner and editor of The Goat Gap Gazette.

She was Queen of the Chili World, where she was judge and jury over many pots of chili over the years and always looked forward to attending the annual Terlingua International Frank X. Tolbert – Wick Fowler Championship Chili Cookoff.

After “retirement” she and husband, Richard, moved from Houston to Kerrville. They bought an RV and, with 4 kitties in tow, set out to visit all 50 States.

Mrs. Horton was active in the Kerrville community, serving meals to shut-ins and enjoying her friends at the Dietert Center. To her card playing friends, she was the final word on the rules, sometimes referred to as “Jo Ann’s Rule”. She loved dressing up and always had the perfect hat to match her outfit.
Writing and collecting friends were her talents. From her chili friends to her card-playing friends to celebrities, including Willie Nelson, and many more, Mrs. Horton was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

Mrs. Horton enjoyed a colorful, free-spirited life that most people only dream of. She told friends recently that she had lived a very fulfilling life and had “pretty much accomplished everything” she had wanted to do.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Richard.

A memorial service will be held at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville, Texas on February 28, 2016 at 2:00 PM.

Memorials may be given to the Dietert Center in Kerrville and to the Original Terlingua International Frank X. Tolbert – Wick Fowler Championship Chili Cookoff, a 501(C)3 organization that raises money for charity.

Mrs. Horton has a memorial website at http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/joannhorton. You are invited to visit, view photographs from Jo Ann’s life, and to leave a message or share a memory on the website.

    BB's Girl, Jennifer Grace Gilliam passed away mid November 2015 at the age of 55.  She had been suffering for several years with CSFL (cerebral spinal fluid leak), and depression. There will not be any service but a private memorial later.

    This sad news was reported by Jennifer's sister Lynne Gilliam Bordeaux, and she also told us that their father (Wyman Gilliam Sr.) is doing good after 6 mos in and out of the hospital with Discitis.   Their Mom has dementia and had a hip replacement in September.   Prayers are indeed needed for the Gilliam Gang.

Sad News

 Jerry Wayne Goldstein, 72 of Cedar Creek passed away October 3, 2015. Jerry was born March 22, 1943 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years Katherine Ann Goldstein; daughters Jerri Lee Goldstein and her husband Mike Works, Traci Lynn Perkins and husband Jason Perkins, and Kelli Renee Krauser and her husband Huey Krauser; seven grandchildren Leanne, Jason, Erin, Brandon, Paul, Alexis, and Brandi.

Jerry was a man of many friends. His enjoyments in life were hunting, fishing, and striking up conversation with just about everyone he met. 

     Celebration of Life Services will be 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 7, 2015, Bastrop Providence Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Upper Cedar Creek Cemetery.

Ronald Kent Roberts

October 31, 1931 - January 15, 2014

Owner of Ronnies One Oak Bar that was originally opened as a BBQ Joint ,, cod Health Complications ,, From Austin, but Long Time Resident of Bastrop ,, He was Very Proud to have Served the United States Marine Corp ,,, after his service ,Ronnie worked as a delivery man for Bruces Pies ,, There will be a Celebration of His Life Saturday 1/18/14 at Ronnies One Oak, with BBQ being served around 4pm, there will be a Memorial Service at a later date ...


Jerry Fugate

April 17, 1937 - November 1, 2013

The BBQ and CHILI World has lost another Human Treasure with the death of Jerry Fugate on Friday, Nov. 1 ( the BBQ and B.E.AN. day "Behind The Store" ).....
Jerry helped enormously with the BBQ Cookoff named for his long time close friend, Col. Bob Roberts, held each Friday at Terlingua since 1988. Jerry started the tradition of giving the beloved "Boot Trophies" out to the top Ten BBQ winners at that event, and paid for them out of his own pocket each year until Cancer put an end to his participation out there a few years ago.....
In the late 70's, he and Col. BOB Roberts founded the Taylor International BBQ Cookoff, which back then was probably the largest BBQ event in the country. They had a limit of 100 cooks, and it filled up quickly each year, having to turn away many cooks due to lack of space in the Park in Taylor, TX.
He began going to Terlingua with Col. Bob, Eddie Langford,and Myself after "The Split" in 1983. Jerry pitched in and started helping Sue Murphy and Col. Bob after they got the BBQ event started back in 1988. He also helped me with the B.E.AN. event out there, and later on the P.E.A. Cookoff, too.....
Along with Terlingua, thru the 80's, 90's, and early 00's, I traveled with Jerry to cookoffs in Dallas and Temple, in Corpus and San Antonio, in Corsicana and Lake Travis, in Maxdale , and to the Houston Rodeo BBQ event many times to promote the Taylor Cookoff...
Jerry was a true Texas Gentleman to his core.
His integrity was of the highest caliber, and those of us who claimed him as a really good friend realize it was a Blessing to have known him.
He joined all of our other Chili and BBQ heroes now up in "Cookoff Heaven".....
And I know he and Col. Bob are having a good ole' "Cold Beer" right about now...
Rest In Peace, my friend, and "Viva Terlingua" .....

Official Obit...
April 17, 1937 - November 1, 2013
Jerry was a resident of Lake Jackson, Texas at the time of his passing.  He was preceded in death by his wife June.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Providence Funeral Home at 807 Carlos G. Parker Blvd. in Taylor, TX on Saturday, November 23 from 4-6 pm.

Those wishing to make a memorial gift or in lieu of flowers may do so by donating to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Nina Bennett

9/6/37 - 7/22/13 (76)

She started cooking in October 1979, and by constantly fine-tuning her recipe over the years, she ultimately took 1st Place at the 2000 Tolbert Luckenbach Texas Ladies Championship with her pot of red called 'Burnt Orange' in honor of her great love of anything University of Texas and especially her beloved Longhorn football team.  Such an avid supporter she even sported the tiniest tattoo of the UT mascot 'Bevo,' she kept under wraps so to speak.

At the 2009 Texas Men's State cookoff Nina participated in the Tacky Tropical Drink contest.  This contest was somewhat unusual because turning in the judging cup also required a formal presentation - generally a funny skit of some kind.  Nina read the play by play of a UT game. It was completely in tune with who she was.

Nina was well Known for her dogs too, including (Spa) Getti and Meatball, and who could forget her Puff, "the female from HELL"?

Tommy & Nina celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary last January 26th.

Obituary for Robert Corley

Robert Corley, resident of Corsicana, passed away at Navarro Regional Hospital on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the age of 61. He was born on Monday, January 21, 1952 in Greenville, Texas to W. L. Corley and Jean Gregory Corley. He married Doris Adams on July 19, 1980 in Denton, Texas. Robert retired from Education after 37 years as a teacher and counselor in Palastine, Terrell, Corsicana, and Hubbard. He was the director of the Association of Texas Professional Educators. He was a member of the Central Texas Tolbert Chili Group serving as Tally Master, and was an avid golfer.

He is preceded in death by his parents W. L. Corley and Jean Corley Owen.  Survivors include his wife of 32 plus years Doris Adams Corley. Daughters Cheryl Corley Phillips and husband Richard of Purdon and Melinda Corley Rothenbach and her husband Diego of Austin. Sister Susan Brown and her husband Eddie of Sherman and a brother Michael Corley and his wife Marcheita of Greenville and a number of neices, nephews, and other family members.

Visitation will be with the family Wednesday evening from 6 - 8pm at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 10am in the Chapel at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Lamb officiating. Graveside service will be at 2:30pm at Brigham Cemetery in Campbell, Texas. 



Terlingua 2012, the Tally Master at work with his personal assistant and wife of 32 years, Doris.





I am saddened to hear of the passing of Scott Knight!    At the moment I am at loss for words, but I do wish for is family the comfort of family and friends to help thru this  very tough time.  I am sure there are a life time of beautiful memories to help thru the next months.  I am wishing them angels and prayers and I know God will be there with them.  

Sincerely Patty and Chris Burns

Dec. 31, 1945 - Nov. 17, 2011

Jim passed away at his home in Canyon Lake, Texas after a year-long battle with cancer. 
Jim was born on , in Oklahoma City.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Phyllis Ann (Landis) McKee; parents Eldon Russell and Clara Ruth (Gerhart-Dowell) McKee of Canyon Lake, Texas; two daughters, Tori McKee of Houston, Texas and Tish McKee Anderson of Pennsylvania; sisters Joy and Jim Williamson of Canyon Lake, Texas, and Sue Stacy of Tahlequah; stepchildren Wesley Robinson and Lisa McCurdy of Gun Barrel City, Texas; four grandchildren and five stepgrandchildren; niece Tiffiny Williamson; and nephews Ricky Williamson and Rusty Stacy.

Jim attended high school in Tahlequah, with the class of 1964. He attended the Claramore Military Academy. He worked the coal mines in Colorado and worked the family owned ranches in Oklahoma, Colorado, and old Mexico, but his heart followed in his dad’s footsteps, working and operating heavy equipment in the family-owned construction business.

Jim did everything from constructing ski slopes and building reservoirs in Colorado, to owning his own oil field maintenance company in Texas. When the “oil field boom” crashed, he and his wife moved to Canyon Lake, Texas, in 1991, and J.F.M. Septic Systems was born.

Jim was known to most of his friends as an avid barbecue and chili cook. He, along with his wife, competed in cook-offs all over Texas, winning many awards. His favorite was attending the yearly world championship chili and barbecue cook-off in Terlingua, Texas. They were known as the “Desperados,” and with the help of family and friends took the first-place world championship show team in 1990.

Jim was a loving husband, son, brother, father, uncle and friend. He cared about the community and his friends. He donated his time and cooking skills for benefits, weddings, anniversaries, the yearly Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Benefit, and to just a “good ol’ time.”

Jim will be missed not only by his family, but also by all his wonderful friends who have been through the good and bad times. They stood by him and when Jim decided it was time to go to “cowboy heaven,” those friends became one. Thank you.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home, in Sattler, Texas. Visitation was held Monday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Burial will be held immediately following funeral services at Hill Country Memorial Gardens.

Following services, friends and family will be gathering at the VFW Post 8800 in Startzville for barbecue cooking and a “good ol’ time” in honor of Jim. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made in Jim’s name to the Central Texas Tolbert Chili Group, P.O. Box 17005, Austin, Texas, 78760.

September 3, 1939 - November 3, 2010
James S. (Jimmie)Doherty,71, passed away Wednesday, November 3, 2010 in Austin, Texas.

He was born in Austin,Texas on September 3,1939 to parents Rachel Virginia Goen and Fred D. Doherty. Jimmie is survived by his sister Janice Culp and his three sons, Perry Brooks Doherty, Jerry Lee Doherty and Christopher Austin Doherty, two grandchildren, Travis and Kelly Doherty and one great grandchild Max Brooks Doherty. He has one nephew Charles (Chuck)Mathews,his wife Terri, and one niece Betty Lynn Pennington, her husband Stacey and their children April, Rachel and Randy Pennington.

Jimmie grew up in South Austin, graduating from Travis High in 1957.
He founded the Foodservice business of Orange Brokerage. He was very involved in all chili cook-offs and went to the World Champion Chili Cook-off at Trlingua in Big Bend for the past 30 years. Jimmie lived life to the fullest and was very funny, always making everyone laugh and loved all his friends. He was a very sentimental and caring person and would help anyone in need. The best friend anyone could ask for.