There was a time when television meant three channels and still was considered somewhat new. And there were few who grew up in Texarkana and the surrounding area in those days who didn’t know him.

His distinctive voice and delivery were staples of commercials that prompted area residents to come to his Broad Street furniture store. Yes, some may have found him brash and loud, but he knew that—knew it very well—and knew it worked to his advantage. They remembered him. And they remembered his business. And they came in to buy. In droves.

Bobby Dowd, one of the Twin Citie...