60 Years Ago: Bobby Stephens Day
“Bobby Stephens Day” in Gilmer honored Air Force test pilot **Colonel Robert L. “Bobby” Stephens**—famously nicknamed **”The Silver Fox”**—following his record-breaking feats in military aviation.
While the town hosted celebrations around that summer, the official **”Bobby Stephens Day” parade and festivities in Gilmer actually took place on Saturday, June 18, 1966**.
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### Why He Was Honored
Stephens was born and raised in Gilmer, graduating from Gilmer High School in 1939 before earning degrees from Texas A&M and Princeton. After flying P-47s in WWII, he became one of the U.S. Air Force’s premier experimental test pilots.
The 1966 hometown celebration was held after Stephens made aviation history on **May 1, 1965**:
* Serving as the test director for the Lockheed YF-12A and SR-71 Blackbird program, he and fire control officer Daniel Andre set world speed and altitude records in the YF-12A interceptor.
* They reached an average speed of **2,070 mph** and sustained a record horizontal flight altitude of **80,257 feet**.
* These accomplishments earned him top aerospace honors, including the **Mackay Trophy**, the **Thompson Trophy**, and the **Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Gold Medal**.
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### The Celebration & Legacy
To mark his achievements, Gilmer held a town parade, homecoming reception, and official ceremonies honoring Col. Stephens with family, local residents, and visiting dignitaries in attendance.
His legacy remains closely tied to the area:
* On **October 20, 2000**, the Gilmer Municipal Airport was officially renamed **Fox Stephens Field** in his memory.
* Col. Stephens passed away in 1984 and is buried in the **Gilmer City Cemetery**.
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