He was born in Texas, educated in New Mexico and raised his family in Mer Rouge, but he was always a cowboy said his son, Dr. Allen Spires.
On June 28 the late William V. “Bill” Spires was inducted into the New Mexico State University Aggie Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Spires attended New Mexico A and M in Las Cruces, N. M. and was said to be an organizer and the president of the first intercollegiate rodeo association, the Aggie Rodeo Club. He served as president of the group from 1946-49. The Aggie Alumni honored him and his years of dedication and service to the rodeo club. Dr. Allen Spires accepted the award for the family of Mr. Bill. The certificate of induction reads:
“New Mexico State University Rodeo Hall of Fame recognizes William V. Spires for extraordinary individual achievement and exemplary contribution to the support of rodeo. ‘Make A Difference,’ the Aggie Rodeo Society."
Mrs. Eleanor Spires said that when the war came, sports shut down for awhile, but when Mr. Bill was honorably discharged with the rank of captain, he continued his education and his love of rodeo.
“We always had horses,” said Mrs. Spires. “He literally kept them in our yard! When he retired from flying, he showed and trained horses.”
To further honor this special cowboy, his family is beginning a scholarship to NMSU.
Attending the banquet held in Ruidoso, N. M. were Dr. and Mrs. Allen Spires and their family, Mr. Bill’s sister, Bettie Tritton and her husband Jim of El Paso, Texas, along with their son, Dr. James Tritton.
