Empty Saddles

Empty Saddles - Obituaries



Tammy Lee

June 8, 1962 – July 10, 2020

Tomasa “Tammy” Raye Sherman Lee, age 58, passed away on July 10, 2020 as the result of an accident at the ranch in Fallon, Nevada.


L.C. Smith

L.C. Smith, Jr. passed away at his home in Prather, Calif. at the age of 83. L.C. was born February 7, 1937 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Upon finishing high school, he attended Pierce College where he took up calf roping and steer wrestling. On November 3, 1957 he married his true love, Vivian Anderson who was his partner in life for 63 years.


Allen Sanders

Allen M. Sanders passed away suddenly at the ranch of cardiac arrest on June 8, 2020, at the age of 71 years.


One of the highlights of Gene Teixeira’s roping career was winning the prestigious Dr. Lane Falk Roping with his son David. It was held in February each year at the famous outdoor Chowchilla, Calif. arena. 247 teams entered the 1976 event in the 5 for $40 a man, enter twice roping. Their time on five was 81.94 seconds, which might seem long but in very sloppy conditions over a 35’ score, they edged out NFR ropers Julio Moreno and Denny Watkins. They each won $975. (Dr. Lane Falk presenting award to David and Gene Teixeira. Photo reprinted from March 1976 issue of Ropers Sports News).