Las Vegas’ Outstanding Fathers

‘IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER’

In honor of Father’s Day, we shine a spotlight on some of Las Vegas’ most outstanding dads. Nominated by members of the local community, these men have a wealth of wisdom to impart about the essential role that fathers play in the lives of their offspring. To flood their minds with pleasant recollections — and get to the heart of what it means to be a father — we asked our honorees a simple yet meaningful question: “What has been the most memorable moment with you children?”

LARRY SMITH

There are so many moments that stand out in my mind — but I can remember my son, when he was younger, falling in love with a toy fire truck at the Walmart store. And one day while he was in the car, I drove to Walmart and entered from the back and got him that fire truck. I will never forget the smile on his face. Now he is 23, and recently passed the test to become a fireman. My daughter is 15 and has always wanted to perform and sing. She recently performed at the West Las Vegas Theatre in a talent show, and the audience loved her. I was so proud of her. I also love my community children and recently sponsored the Sam Smith Spelling Bee where all the children really did a great job.

OFFICER VERNON RAY WASHINGTON

I really enjoy taking my girls to the park and watching them play in the sandbox, flying kites and playing hide-and-seek. We have been doing this for years. I enjoy every minute watching them grow.

CLIFTON EDWARD COLEMAN

My most memorable moment with my children took place when all my children and stepchildren got together and threw me a retirement party after working for the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) for 34 years.

ALAINE MOBLEY

When my daughter had her first birthday, I took her to Burger King to eat and I was so surprised that she ate an entire Whopper with cheese. I remember when she was a little baby, she would moan when I ate a Whopper next to her. It was so fascinating to see her eat an entire burger when she was just a one-year-old. As a single dad, my daughter is my blessing.

ANTONIO HOLLIDAY

I have logged well over 1,000 hours of parent volunteer time at my children’s school, Andre Agassi College Prep, in the past three years. That being said, one of the most memorable moments took place during 2014 field day at the school. I volunteered and brought the music to the event and all the children had a blast and my children were so proud. My children and I also initiated a huge water fight that all the children enjoyed. Everyone was soaked and smiling. I also received the Presidential Award for the third year in a row for volunteering at their school. I am a full-custody father, and experience more memorable moments than I can count.

CHARLES YOUNG

Each day is so special with all five of my girls. I love them, and it is a memorable time for me after they participate in events and games. It makes me so proud to see how well they are learning, and to watch them grow into compassionate, well-rounded women. I love all five of my girls. I also want to mention the 25 girls who I coach in basketball — it is great to see them achieve their goals, as well.

DWAYNE MORGAN

I always reflect on how my children enjoyed a cruise my wife and I took them on in Barbados. It was great seeing them enjoy all the water sports and, it made me so happy to see the smiles on their faces, without a care in the world.

BRIAN WILLIAMS

My most memorable time with my children was when the youngest child graduated from high school, and all the children were home at the same time. I looked at them all as young adults — and realized that all of the years of praying, guiding, caring, nurturing and loving them came into fruition. They are working, raising families of their own or in college. They are the people that we raised them to be. They are the best of me. I am beyond proud as a parent, and it doesn’t get any better than that. I’m blessed.

RAY ROBERTS

I recently had my 50th birthday, and I so enjoyed spending my birthday with my boys. It was real quality time with them that I will always remember.

ROBERT TWIX TAYLOR

I have a lot of memorable moments but I believe my most proudest moment was about a year ago and my daughter Alyse age 13 and son Israel 11 Israel wanted to start a rap/singing group and I told them if they listen to me and practice every night I gaurentee them they would win , and a month later they won 1st place in their 1st talent show and their little brother Robbie age 5 was in the audience singing their song so loud the croud was laughing. The joy on their face winning made me the proudest father in the world. Right before they went on I said I don’t care if you win as long as you do your best!! 🙂

ERIC JORDAN

My most memorable time with my children are times at graduations with the entire family and the recent graduation of my youngest son from Gorman High School.