The University of Texas at Tyler University Advancement

Clyde - Ferrell Scholarships

 

Owners of T.B. Butler Publishing Co., the Clyde family produces East Texas’ largest newspapers, the Tyler Morning Telegraph and the Sunday Tyler Courier-Times-Telegraph, and an online edition, tylerpaper.com.

The family’s kindness and devotion to supporting higher education is evident across the UT Tyler campus. They assist the university in various ways, from creating and contributing to scholarship funds to co-sponsoring UT Tyler Patriot Classic and former Eisenhower International Golf Classic scholarship fund-raisers to bringing national newsmakers and premier cultural programs to the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center.

In late 2006, the Tyler Morning Telegraph established an endowed scholarship at UT Tyler honoring longtime editor Everett T. Taylor Jr. and his wife, Jimmie Lee Taylor, for their contributions to the newspaper and community. Taylor has been employed with the Tyler paper for more than 55 years.

“The Clydes have always been an important part of The University of Texas at Tyler. Not only are they a warm, generous family but they actually look for opportunities to support us,’’ said Dr. Rodney Mabry, UT Tyler president. “Both Nelson Clyde III and Nelson Clyde IV serve on our development board and we are grateful for their guidance, as well as their gifts, in moving UT Tyler forward.’’

The Clydes “are very special friends of the university and we are proud to recognize them in a public way,’’ Deanna Sims, UT Tyler director of major gifts/advancement services, said of featuring the family in the UT Tyler Magazine. Even though they publicize other people, they are hesitant to recognize themselves. We see this as a unique opportunity to thank them.’’

In a recent interview, Clyde III, publisher of the newspaper, and his son, Clyde IV, associate publisher, said their family takes joy in supporting UT Tyler. “We are thrilled with what UT Tyler is doing as a significant entity influencing this region,’’ said Clyde IV, adding that he has a personal connection with the university.

A 1987 UT Tyler graduate with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Clyde IV said he is impressed with Dr. Mabry’s “tireless commitment to make our university better. It is very easy to get on board with someone who works that hard.’’

Chair of the 2007 UT Tyler Patriot Classic, which raises thousands of dollars in support of scholarships, Clyde IV recalled a conversation he had as a student with former UT Tyler President George Hamm:

“He said, ‘Your university diploma will become increasingly valuable to you as time goes on.’ And I have to say he was right. When I walk that campus now and I see the university’s growth and all these absolutely world-class facilities President Mabry and his team have built, it does stir within me a great sense of pride. It also makes me feel good about our community and about the future of the university.’’

‘Lives Well Lived’

Relatives joined together to create the Clyde and Ferrell scholarships in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Clyde Jr. of Tyler and Dr. and Mrs. O.L. “Buddy’’ Ferrell of Emerald Bay for their dedication to their family, their communities and the fields of journalism, business and health care.

“We decided it would be a great way not only to support the university but also to honor our parents and the grandparents of our children,’’ said Clyde III, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Clyde Jr. His wife, Sherry, is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. O.L. “Buddy’’ Ferrell.

Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, T. B. Butler Publishing was established by Tyler attorney and businessman Thomas Booker Butler, who acquired the Tyler Courier-Times in 1910.

Continuing the family legacy, Calvin Clyde Jr. succeeded his aunt, Sarah Butler, as general manager and served as president from 1973 until his retirement in 1990. He remains active in the company, as chairman of the board.

The Ferrell family has served the health care needs of area residents for more than 85 years.

Bullard pharmacist O.L. Ferrell established O.L. Ferrell Drug Store in 1920 at 105 N. Phillips St., the current location of Bullard Trinity Clinic. His son and daughter, O.L. “Buddy’’ Ferrell and Marjorie Roper, both became doctors.

Now retired, Dr. Ferrell began his practice in Bullard. He moved the practice to Tyler after specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Roper operated her medical clinic in part of the Ferrell Drug Store building from1945 until her retirement in 2006.

The Clyde and Ferrell scholarships were established in celebration of “lives well lived,’’ Clyde IV said.

“Words cannot express how much we’ve enjoyed this as a family, to let these parents and grandparents know how much we value them as individuals. And while emphasis was placed on my grandfathers’ professional contributions, the scholarships were named for both husbands and wives,’’ he added. “We do not believe the gentlemen would have been as successful without the partnership of their wives.’’

 

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University Advancement
The University of Texas at Tyler
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
903.566.7110
advancement@uttyler.edu