Written as a collaboration between Emily Haddock, Reporter and Kris Smith, Publisher
A crowd gathered on East 6th Avenue in Corsicana to unveil a bronze statue honoring country music legend Billy Joe Shaver across from The Palace Theater and in front of The Terry Fator Theater.
The nearly five year long project was the brainchild of Shaver’s own cousin and Corsicana’s own, Mark Watson.
A text message between Watson and Shaver more than six years ago, inspired this creation, which effectively captures Shaver’s stage presence and even his missing fingers from a past sawmill accident.
Watson corroborated with City of Corsicana Parks and Recreation Director Sharla Allen, and eventually a board which included local celebrity DJ Carey Dean, Navarro County District Clerk Joshua Tackett, among others in the Corsicana community.
Watson, the committee chair from its inception, stated, “The unveiling of the statue and the reception were amazing events. There were a lot of times when I thought this day would never come.”
Corsicana Parks Director, Sharla Allen, stated, “The Billy Joe Shaver committee was thrilled with the unveiling ceremony, it could not have been more perfect. The turnout was great – the family, donors, speakers, and friends were so happy to see the bronze become a reality after years of planning and fundraising.”
A reception was held after the unveiling at the Moontower at the Oaks, with members of Diamondback Texas, Lanky Moore, and Peter Sinclair rocking the rafters and the packed house singing all of Shaver’s greatest hits.
Allen continued, “Billy Joe is now included on the city’s bronze tour making a total of 19 bronze statues telling wonderful stories city wide.”
The event served as a formal recognition of the Corsicana-born singer-songwriter’s influential role in the development of the outlaw country movement.
Tackett greeted everyone at the event and acknowledged the sponsors. Gordon Collier provided musical entertainment, and then Mayor Joe Hill spoke about Shaver’s origins and enduring influence on Texas music.
A series of testimonial speeches followed, offering personal memories and reflections from Carey Dean, Dale Watson, Ron Helm, and long-time friend and second son, Lanky Moore.
Mayor Hill accepted the bronze on behalf of the City of Corsicana.
Mayor Hill stated, “Billy Joe’s spirit is woven into the fabric of this town,” Hill said. “This dedication ensures his legacy will continue on.”
The afternoon came with the bronze unveiling, joined by members of Shaver’s family, including his sister Patricia.
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a public reception and live music from Mark Watson, creating a fitting finale to a day of remembrance and celebration.
The Billy Joe Shaver Bronze Dedication Ceremony was made possible through the efforts of committee members Mark Watson (Chair), Josh Tackett, Sharla Allen, and Carey Dean, along with support from the Corsicana community.
Watson continued, “I would like to thank everyone who attended and participated. This tribute to Billy Joe was well deserved. Now, he will truly live forever!”
For fans of Texas music and those who called Billy Joe Shaver a friend, the event served as both a tribute, honoring a man whose songs, like his spirit, will never fade.
