For Texan Red McCombs, the wild ride never stopped

Red McCombs shows off some of his collection of Western memorabilia. McCombs built a business empire that included a major dealership group, pro sports franchises, cattle ranching, oil exploration and real estate. (BRADFORD WERNLE)

July 04, 2011 05:00 AM

SAN ANTONIO -- After he dropped out of the University of Texas law school in 1950, Billy Joe "Red" McCombs had six weeks to kill before starting a corporate job in Mississippi. He decided to earn a little cash roughnecking in the Texas oil fields.

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