Fess Parker, 'Davy Crockett' Star dies 85

[Steve Sanderson]

From my friends at Hollywoodmemoir.com:

Fess Elisha Parker, Jr.
Born: August 16, 1924 Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Died: March 18, 2010 (aged 85) California, United States

Fess Elisha Parker, Jr. was an American film and television actor best known for his 1950s portrayals of Davy Crockett for Walt Disney and of Daniel Boone in the late 1960s. He was also known as a wine maker and resort owner-operator.

Fess Parker died of complications from old age.
Fess Parker was 85 years old at the time of his death.

[Steve Sanderson]

Davy Crockett - "Old Betsy" - Song performed by Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen (Disneyland Opening Day)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvKV37Vb ... r_embedded

[hagopian]

Part of the sweetest time of my life has gone with Mr. Parker.

I had the "Coonskin" cap - I loved "Big Mike Fink" - "King of the River" - Busted Flush, and Davy at the Alamo.

This is not a happy day for me - as I realize that like everyone else - we all get older and one day - your childhood becomes a distant but more pleasant dream, because of actors like Mr. Parker. I was also a HUGE fan of Buddy Ebsen.
I think that is where my fascination with America really started.
I was startled when I finally saw the Alamo - and how small it seemed.

To all of you that remember - let's all send Fess Parker a wish for a pleasant journey to the next place and THANK YOU.

[PMC]

He was also known as a wine maker and resort owner-operator.

I was in Santa Barbara California in 1965 and I was told by a real estate agent that Fess Parker owned half of what was then Santa Barbara County... he had invested his Disney royalties there.

His character showed the marketing power of Disney beyond the screen.