List of people from Abilene, Texas

The following people were all born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Abilene, Texas, and its surrounding metropolitan area, which includes Callahan County, Texas, Jones County, Texas, and Taylor County, Texas.

• Dave Andrews, also known by his given name, Johnny Johnson is a longtime radio personality, winner of a AAF American Advertising Award in 1999, and longtime Abilene resident and radio personality for numerous stations in Texas, including KFGL 97.1 The Eagle in Dallas, TX. Worked with the world's oldest rock and roll weatherman Stubby Baldwin. Dave Andrews was the afternoon drive on air personality on KEYJ Rock 108 for almost 12 years. Currently, he is the President & Founder of BIG JOHNSON LIQUOR & BEER located 3351 Turner Drive Suite #110-N Abilene, Texas 79606. He is also the public address announcer for the professional arena football team, Abilene Ruff Riders of the Southern Indoor Football League. He resides with his wife, Rhonni in Abilene. Dave Andrews became the first professional baseball public address announcer in history to be ejected from a professional baseball game. The game was between Abilene Prairie Dogs and the Amarillo Dillas in July 1995. He was also the Public Address Announcer for the Abilene Aviators of the Western Professional Hockey League.
• Nic Noblique, Professional Sculptor and Painter. Best known for his large steel sculptures, an internationally exhibited artist, his work can be seen throughout Abilene including "People at Play" which was acquired by the City of Abilene through Cultural Affairs and placed at the corner of Grape Street and North 1st Street. Nic Noblique also has public sculpture at Hardin Simmons University and McMurry University in Abilene.
• Coby Archa, cast member of Survivor,
• Alvin O. Austin, administrator at Hardin-Simmons University,
• Brown Bannister, Abilene Christian University alumnus, music producer, winner of numerous Dove Awards,
• Sammy Baugh, football coach at Hardin-Simmons University, named the most versatile player in NFL history
• Ray Berry, linebacker who played for the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks,
• Gordon Bethune, Abilene Christian University alumnus, became CEO of Continental Airlines,
• Marion Zimmer Bradley, Hardin-Simmons University alumnus, noted fantasy author of The Mists of Avalon and the Darkover series,
• Randy Brewer, Abilene Christian University alumnus, winner and frequent nominee for ACM, CMA, MTV and Dove Awards.
• Doyle Brunson, Hardin-Simmons University alumnus, championship level poker player and author,
• Jess Cagle, writer for Entertainment Weekly and Time,
• Chris Christian, Music Producer,Artist,songwriter for Elvis,Carpenters,Amy Grant,Ali Lohan,Pointer Sisters,Al Jarreau, CEO of World Digital Media Group,
• Karen Christy, Abilene native, an American model who had been Playboy magazines's Playmate of the Month,
• Isaac Cline, resident of Abilene, a noted meteorologist, he was the first to provide reliable forecasts of freezing weather, and successfully predicted several floods and hurricanes,
• Nelson Coats, Abilene Christian University alumnus, film production designer,
• Randall "Tex" Cobb, Abilene native, prizefighter and actor,
• Charles Coody, Abilene resident, pro golfer with 12 twelves victories on the PGA Tour with one Masters Tournament victory,
• Byron Cook, Republican state representative for Navarro County
• Carole Cook, Abilene native, actress and protege of Lucille Ball,
• J.B. Cook, writer-coproducer of King of the Hill, contributing producer/writer, My Name Is Earl,
• Terri Colombino (Theresa Celeste Conn Colombino), attended Dyess Elementary actress, Breaker High, soap As The World Turns CBS
• Randy Colvin, Abilene native, elementary teacher
• Roy Crane, Abilene native, cartoonist and creator of Wash Tubbs, Captain Easy, and Buz Sawyer,
• Sonny Cumbie, Abilene native, quarterback for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League
• Bonnie Curtis, Abilene Christian University alumnus, film producer whose work includes Saving Private Ryan, A.I., and Minority Report,
• Shae D'Lyn, Abilene native, actress who played Jane Deaux in Dharma & Greg,
• Jody Dean, Abilene Christian University alumnus and news anchor of KTVT, Dallas, Texas,
• Holly Dunn, Abilene Christian University alumnus, country music artist,
• Novalyne Price Ellis, schoolteacher in Cross Plains, Texas, member of the National Forensic Hall of Fame, and noted memoirist,
• Billie Sol Estes, Abilene native and scandalous financier who has accused Lyndon B. Johnson of a variety of crimes,
• Bob Estes, from Graham, Texas, American professional golfer,
• Megan Ewing, an Abilene native, fashion model, best known for her part in Guess? advertisements,
• Mark I. Fox, an Abilene native, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Military Office,
• David Funderburk, former professor at Hardin-Simmons University and member of the United States House of Representatives from North Carolina,
• Larry Gatlin, singer, songwriter, and actor
• Rudy Gatlin, singer, member Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers Band
• Steve Gatlin, singer, mdmber Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers Band
• Stedman Graham, Hardin-Simmons University basketball player, motivational speaker, romantically linked with Oprah Winfrey,
• Carol Hall, composer/lyricist whose work includes The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,
• J-Rod Hardegree, lead guitarist for the band Plainview,
• Lou Henson
• Andy Holmes children's book author and creator of "Gerbert" character and television show which was first aired in the mornings on the old CBN Cable network (now ABC Family) from 1988-1991, and was also sold as a video series in WalMart and Christian book stores. Gerbert has aired on Christian television stations and networks continuously since its 1988 debut. A secular version, with the religious material edited out and replaced, was produced for PBS in the mid-1990s
• Johnny Johnson, also known as Dave Andrews, longtime Abilene resident and radio personality for numerous stations in Texas, including KFGL 97.1 The Eagle in Dallas, TX, and winner of a AAF American Advertising Award in 1999. Worked with the world's oldest rock and roll weatherman Stubby Baldwin. Johnny, or Dave Andrews was the afternoon drive on air personality on KEYJ Rock 108 for almost 12 years. Currently, he is the Founder & President of BIG JOHNSON LIQUOR & BEER located at 3351 Turner Drive Suite #110-N Abilene, Texas 79606. He is also the public address announcer for the professional arena football team, Abilene Ruff Riders of the Indoor Football League. He resides with his wife, Rhonni in Abilene. Johnny, or Dave Andrews became the first professional baseball public address announcer in history to be ejected from a professional baseball game. The game was between Abilene Prairie Dogs and the Amarillo Dillas in July 1995. He was also the Publc Address Announcer for the Abilene Prairie Dogs of the Western Professional Hockey League.
• JamisonPriest, folk/Americana trio, singers and songwriters,
• Rhonda A. Johnson, Certified Public Accountant in Abilene, Texas and Founder & Vice President of BIG JOHNSON LIQUOR & BEER located in Abilene, Texas Rhonda or "Rhonni" is married to Johnny Johnson, a.k.a. Dave Andrews, longtime radio personality in Texas..
• Lonnie D. Kliever, Hardin-Simmons alumnus and noted professor of Religious Studies,
• John Lackey, Major League Baseball pitcher for the Anaheim Angels, played in the 2002 World Series,
• Deirdre Lovejoy, actress in The Talented Mr. Ripley,
• Max Lucado, Abilene Christian University alumnus, Christian author/preacher/broadcaster,
• Wayne Millner, Hardin-Simmons University football coach, professional football wide receiver, and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,
• Nathan Monroe, epigrammist,
• Paige Moss, actress who has appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Beverly Hills, 90210,
• Ty O'Neal, rodeo cowboy and actor,
• Terry Orr, running back for the Washington Redskins,
• Caryl Mack Parker, country singer,
• Fess Parker, Hardin-Simmons University alumnus, star of television series Daniel Boone,
• Lee Roy Parnell, country musician,
• Paige Patterson, Hardin-Simmons University alumnus, Southern Baptist theologian and sminary president,
• Gary Perkins, radio broadcaster,
• Don Pierson, longtime Abilene resident and Hardin-Simmons University alumnus, businessman and founder of Wonderful Radio London, and Swinging Radio England,
• Dominic Rhodes, running back for the Indianapolis Colts,
• Sid W. Richardson, Simmons College alumnus, oilman, cattleman, and philanthropist,
• Jessica Simpson, pop singer and actress,
• Justin Snow, long snapper for the Indianapolis Colts,
• Ed Sprinkle, Hardin-Simmons and Chicago Bears offensive lineman, member of the NFL's 1940's ALl-Decade Team,
• Diane Stanley, children's book author,
• Hollis Thomas, NFL defensive tackle
• Bulldog Turner, Hardin-Simmons University alumnus and Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back,
• Sarah Weddington, Abilene native, attorney who represented Jane Roe in the Roe v. Wade case before the United States Supreme Court,
• Duane Whitaker, actor in The Devil's Rejects,
• H.C Zachary, artist, best known for his western art.

References

Add: Winston Lee Moore (professional name Slim Willet) songwriter, performer inducted into the DJ Hall of Fame. Stuart Hamblin songwriter, radio (KAYO Abilene), movie personality, inducted into the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame, ACM Pioneer Award, Golden Boot Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame graduated from McMurry with a teacher's degree. Keedy Kelly singer/dancer. Tommy Overstreet Country singer. Jeannie C. Riley Grammy winning Country singer. The Whites (Sharon, Sheryl & Buck) Grammy-winning Country group Mason Williams Songwriter, 16 major awards plus Grammy winner for instrumental "Classical Gas" writer for Smothers Brothers TV show. RACHEL DEARMAN