This Saturday, the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association (GCCA) will celebrate their annual Cattlemen’s Day, with a day filled with activities.
More than 90 proud cattlemen have served the organization as president, over the years. This year, a cowboy who has been around the globe working in the industry is leading the GCCA.
Born and raised in the Fort Worth, Texas area, C. A. Floyd grew up in the ranching business. It’s in his blood. Not only has he ranched, but he has also served as a tour guide, cast member, stunt rider and now a manager of a local ranch. It all started with a love of horses. In 1989, he was accepted into Lamar Community College’s Horse Training/Management program, in Lamar, Colo. Upon graduation, he went straight to work in mid-1991 loping horses for Texas’ cutting legend Buster Welch’s son, Gregg Welch. That same year, G. Welch claimed the National Cutting Horse Futurity. Prior to starting for the Welches, an impromptu decision arose and would later change the direction of his life. While his truck was broke down, Floyd made his way to the Mesquite Rodeo Arena and was one of 800 individuals to interview as a stunt rider for the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West (BBWW) Show. It wasn’t until January of 1992 when Floyd received the casting call sharing that he had been casted to be a part of the EuroDisney cast of the show in Paris, France, just one of 50 cast members.
He joined the original cast and performed in a dinner/ theatre type set up until November of 1992 when his father passed away unexpectedly and he returned to the small family ranch and went to work for long-time neighbors, Philip and C. K. French, on the “Lazy K Ranch,” in Cresson, Texas. He remained at the ranch until a second major horse accident forced him to quit.
After a full recovery, Floyd returned to the ranching business, but this time for the Winscott Ranch also in Cresson, Texas, under Dennis Purviance and Troy Hoefer. He didn’t know it at the time, but he would be working for his current boss that would also later have ties to Greenwood County. The Winscott Ranch ran Mexican Steers and would ship to Greenwood and surrounding counties in Kansas before heading to feed lots.
In the summer of 1997, he took a leave of absence from the ranch as he was hired to work as a wrangler/outrider for the Chuck Norris feature film “Last of a Breed.” He later returned to the Winscott Ranch as a dayworker and continued working for a few “Walker Texas Ranger” sets. He did so until late 1999 when he returned to Paris, France for another year of the BBWW show. Afterwards, he again returned to the Winscott and with the help of good friend Bo Jimeson, continued to be in film and print as he was cast for numerous tobacco and beer company advertisements.
In late 2004, Floyd’s life changed directions for a bit as he found himself addicted to drugs and alcohol. He reflected on the spiral and was thankful that in mid-2012 a Texas judge gave him two choices and changed his life. Instead of sentencing him to jail time, Floyd was sentenced to complete a very strict probation, that he completed in late 2015.
In February 2016, he and his wife Deniese packed up and moved to Piedmont, where he manages the CG Ranch for Hoefer and his wife, Dr. Gayla Garner (daughter of Harold and Patsy Garner). He hasn’t looked back unless to share a positive story or hopeful path for others. Today, Floyd runs a cow/calf operation and also runs goats for weed control. He and Deniese also continue to own a portion of the small Floyd family ranch in Weatherford, Texas.
Along with serving the GCCA, Floyd also serves on the board for the Tallgrass Legacy Alliance (TLA), assists with Community LinC and is a member of the Eureka United Methodist Church.
Throughout his time as president, Floyd has overseen the GCCA bring back the annual Ranch Tour, create a new logo, new website (www.greenwoodcca. com), increased the money given for scholarships and re-worked the banquet; but, most importantly, GCCA is much more involved with the community.
In his spare time, Floyd enjoys traveling, taking pictures, riding horses and spending time with family and friends, including his mom, three brothers, aunts, uncles, niece and nephews, one daughter, stepchildren and grandchildren all over the United States.
Floyd welcomes you to join the GCCA throughout the day this Saturday, November 4. The day will kick-off with the Lion’s Club Pancake Feed at Eureka Downs, from 6:30 – 10:30 a.m. Events will continue with a glow fun walk or run, car show, wheel of ag trivia, trade fair, silent auction, Cattlemen’s Steak Cook-off and more. The annual parade will be held at 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested in participating in the parade should contact Parade Co-Chairmans Dr. Kailey Fitzmorris at 620-583-7190 or 620-7500049. No 4-Wheelers will be allowed in this year’s Cattlemen’s Day parade. (Sideby- sides will be allowed if associated with a ranch or float). Parade participants should meet at 15th and Elm Streets at approximately 1 p.m. Those walking or riding bicycles should meet at 7th and Main Streets at 1:15 p.m. The parade will march its regular route. It will start near the formerly named North Side Mini Mall, then east on 13th Street to School Street where the caravan will turn south on School Street going past Eureka Nursing Center to 9th Street. The parade will then turn west and proceed to Main Street where the caravan will turn south and continue to 1st Street. Prizes will be awarded for floats in several categories, including farm and ranch, 4-H clubs, buggies and wagons, non-profit organizations, clubs and lodges, commercial, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, bands and horsemen. Others are invited to participate in the parade. Those winning prize money in the parade may claim their prize money at the Greenwood County Extension Office during regular business hours the following week.
The events on Saturday will conclude with the annual Cattlemen’s Day Banquet and Ball, with a social hour, prime rib dinner and Gary Mule Deer being the featured musician and comedian.
Tickets for the annual banquet dinner are limited, but are still available through Friday of this week. Tickets for the show, beginning at 8 p.m., can be purchased at the door.
A complete schedule of events can be found elsewhere in this week’s edition.
(Courtesy photos)
