HARLINGEN — A pastor who serves the homeless, the hungry and the hurting.
An attorney who has served as a civic leader for almost 20 years.
And a businessman known throughout the Valley for his business acumen, community involvement and philanthropy.
Pastor Bill Reagan, Mayor Chris Boswell and Robert R. “Bobby” Farris were honored last night for their contributions to the community when they were inducted into the Rotary Club of Harlingen’s Walk of Fame.
“The Walk of Fame is a celebration of the citizens of Harlingen,” said John Topp, a past president of the Rotary Club and a member of the Walk of Fame selection committee.
“We honor people who have made significant civic contributions; for their life achievements and the impact they have had on our community. They’ve made an impact on our community for the quality of life in Harlingen.”
Reagan, a former pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, has since 2010 been the Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, which provides a wide range of services for those in need, including a homeless shelter and kitchen.
He has distinguished himself by serving on numerous boards and committees that include Lutherans Children’s Aid and Family Services, Lutheran Disaster Response after Hurricane Andrew, and the Texas Homeless Network Balance of State Continuum of Care.
“I am moved that my fellow Rotarians would consider me for such an honor. The Walk of Fame was inaugurated when I was club president. In that inaugural year we recognized Harlingen’s 100 most influential citizens to celebrate the Harlingen Centennial,” Reagan said.
“Theresa and I have made Harlingen our home for the past sixteen years. My time in Harlingen has been the most rewarding period of my life. I can only hope that my few contributions to Harlingen will prove worthy of such an important recognition.”
Boswell served as a Harlingen City Commissioner from 1998 to 2007, when he was elected mayor. He has served as mayor since then.
He has a successful law practice in Harlingen and serves on many community and nonprofit boards. He has been honored by the Harlingen Chamber with a Heritage Award, The Girls Scouts Award of Distinction, and The National Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service award from Boy Scouts of America.
“I am very humbled and honored to have been given this recognition by the Harlingen Rotary Club,” Boswell said.
“I am inspired by the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self.’ I’m really not interested in recognition, because the service is reward enough. But I am nonetheless grateful to Rotary and all of those who have supported me, especially my wife Anita and my family.”
Farris was named president Valley Transit Company in 1999.
He has a strong record of community and public service, including serving on numerous nonprofit boards, as a Harlingen City Commissioner and a member of his church board.
Last year, he was honored by being inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame in Hidalgo. His induction in the Harlingen Walk of Fame makes him the first third-generation inductee on the Harlingen Walk of Fame.
“I want to thank the Harlingen Rotary Club and the nominating committee for asking me to be part of the 2017 Harlingen Walk of Fame,” Farris said.
“This was very unexpected. I am truly honored, as well as humbled, by this award and do not feel worthy of being included in this prestigious group of leaders.”
Topp noted that the Walk of Fame is “not necessarily” a Rotary Club honor.
“The Rotary Club, we agreed to do this during the Harlingen Centennial Celebration back in 2010,” Topp said.
“We stepped forward and volunteered to be the vehicle to make this happen so that we could honor people who had these significant contributions to our community.”
The addition of the three community leaders yesterday brings the total number of inductees into the Harlingen Walk of Fame to 132. The Harlingen Walk of Fame was unveiled in 2010 as part of the Harlingen Centennial Celebration.
The Walk, with commemorative bricks, is on permanent display at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium in Fair Park.
Chris Boswell:
Chris often remarks, “I was born and raised in San Benito and growing up, I always wanted to live in the big city. So when I got out of law school, I moved to Harlingen.” Chris graduated from San Benito HS and attended University of Texas in Austin where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, and SMU where he received his Juris Doctor. Chris married his High School sweetheart Anita Simmons Boswell in 1983 and they have 3 adult children, Megan, Thomas and Carrie. His love of the Harlingen community has led him to serve in public office for over 20 years.
Chris served as a City Commissioner from 1998-2007 and elected Mayor in 2007 and continues to serve in this capacity. As a boy Chris was a Boy Scout and rose to Eagle Scout rank. Chris has served Boy Scouts on the local, regional and national level and has been honored at all levels for his volunteer service. Chris has a successful law practice in Harlingen and serves on many community and nonprofit boards. Chris has been honored by the Harlingen Chamber with a Heritage Award, The Girls Scouts Award of Distinction, and The National Order of the Arrow Distinguished Service award from Boy Scouts of America.
Bobby Farris:
Born in Harlingen and a graduate of Marine Military Academy, Bobby earned his BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in Finance, with honors, from St. Edward’s University. Bobby met Robin in college and they married in 1981 and are the parents of two adult children, Houston and Holly Anne. Bobby and Robin moved to Harlingen after they married and Bobby joined the family business; Valley Transit Bus Company, founded by his grandfather in 1941. Bobby was named President in 1999 of VTC. In addition to his business career with VTC, Bobby holds a Texas Real Estate Broker license, is a Certified Financial Planner and is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as an Offshore Master Captain.
He is also an accomplished pilot. Bobby like his grandfather, mother and father, has a strong record of community and public service. Bobby has served on numerous non-profit boards; as a City of Harlingen Commissioner; and a member of his church board. Last year Bobby was honored by being inducted to the Rio Grande Valley Walk of Fame in Hidalgo. Bobby’s induction in the Harlingen Walk of Fame makes him the first 3rd generation inductee on the Harlingen Walk of Fame.
Bill Reagan:
Born in Cleveland Ohio, Bill was the oldest of nine siblings. He and his wife, Theresa, met in college and were married in 1978. They have 3 adult children, Mark Elizabeth and Rachel. Bill studied elementary education at Concordia University and went on to study Seminary and he received his Master of Divinity Degree. Bill was ordained into the Holy Ministry on July 17, 1983. He served as Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran’s Church and since 2010 has been the Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes. Bill has distinguished himself by serving on numerous boards and committees that include Lutherans Children’s Aid and Family Services, Lutheran Disaster Response after Hurricane Andrew, and the Texas Homeless Network Balance of State Continuum of Care.
While serving as President of the Rotary Club of Harlingen, Bill formed the committee to create the Harlingen Walk of Fame during Harlingen’s Centennial Celebration year. The Walk of Fame was the clubs gift to the city during the celebration year. Bill and Theresa were awarded the partners in Mission Award from their alma mater, Concordia University, Bill has been a Celebrity Roastee of the Literacy Center of Harlingen’s annual Roast, a Columnist for the Valley Morning Star and Bill is a teacher for the Harlingen Community Bible Classes.
