George’s story begins 30 years ago when he was 33. He purchased a 1986 Cardinal Red, short wide GMC Sierra Classic from Glass Motors in Paris, Texas.

This is George’s first and only new truck.

The truck has seen a lot of life and has helped George and his family make many memories. It has been used has daily transportation to and from work for most of the years. It also has pulled its weight while hauling hay (square bales) for local ranchers, wood for their stove, trees and limbs from the yard, logs for building on to their home, furniture, dirt, gravel, propane tanks, four-wheelers, motorcycles, lawn mowers, kids, grand kids and a great grandchild.

For almost two years it made the trip between Paris, Texas and Lawrence, Kansas every two weeks. This truck carried their family on many trips to Dallas and one year they added the camper shell on the back and hauled the kids to Branson, Missouri. Back then the kids were still small enough to make their way between the camper and cab through the sliding rear window.

George’s two boys learned to drive in this truck and they couldn’t wait to take it out on their own when they got their licenses. George’s two grand-daughters also got to drive the truck when they turned 16 and the oldest had the truck in her junior and senior high school prom pictures.

All the grandsons and George’s great grandson love to play in it. Each year they take it to the 4th of July fireworks display. All of the family piles in the back to watch the show.

When something needs to be moved, they all still borrow Ole’ Red.

George has had the engine and transmission replaced once and he has had the inside and outside repainted twice. George has also replaced the carpet, headliner and dash. The original bench seat has been replaced with a new seat with a center console.

Most of its life has been spent outside in the Texas weather, but after qualifying for “Classic” tags last year, George has made room for it in the garage.

George’s wife has suggested that he get a new truck every now and then. But George can’t give this one up. It still looks and runs great. Almost every time his wife or he drives it somewhere, they get compliments on it and lots of offers to buy it. That day may come, but not yet!

George is looking for a bumper sticker that reads, “Thirty Years, One Ride!”

“I’m very proud of my GMC!”  -George