He was not gigantic in physical stature, but in his no-nonsense approach to government, he stood tall, this proud Texas governor who was the first West Texan to hold the office. His name was Preston Smith, who died 18 years ago at age 91. Though he maintained a tie-always-straight appearance, the only thing keeping him from letting his hair down at times was his pronounced baldness. Tabbing newspaperman Jerry Hall to be his press secretary, Smith needled him regularly. The “Thanks to Jerry, the name ‘Preston Smith’ Ame is a household name by Don throughout the length and breadth of Lubbock County.” ...