McRaney was honored at the 10th annual Okatoma Festival by a commemorative marker and a city steet bearing his name. The marker reads "Birthplace of Gerald McRaney, Born August 19, 1947. This native son, through his celebrity as a television and motion picture actor, has brought recoginition to this community. Because his life was shaped by his heritage, he returns to his grassroots each year to visit his family and friends. This street is named in his honor in order that he may be remembered by all who pass here..." 

Gerald McRaney and wife, Delta Burke, at dedication May 1, 1999.

Gerald McRaney
Collins' most famous native son
(article and pictures provided by Covington County Chamber of Commerce)

Television and movie celebrity Gerald McRaney is Collins' most famous native son. A consummate actor, whose life has been shaped by his Southern roots, McRaney has starred in numerous television shows and motion pictures. He is best known for his TV roles in the series Simon and Simon, Major Dad, and Promised Land.

By the time McRaney got to high school, the family was living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Long Beach. When a knee injury sidelined his football carrer, the only activity he found still open was the drama club. He was encouraged by his early performances. None of his classmates are surprised by his success. The inscription in his yearbook reads, " Good luck with your acting," and was signed by most of his class.

The busy actor and his wife, Delta Burke, live in New Orleans. He often returns to Collins to visit family and participate in activities such as the Okatoma Festival.

This article was reproduced from the "Collins, Mississippi: Home of Gerald McRaney" brochure provided by the Covington County Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact the Covington County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1595, Collins, Mississippi 39428, Phone (601)765-6012 Email: Marie Shoemake (Executive Director)

Other websites featuring Gerald McRaney:

The Simon and Simon Fan Site and Web Ring

The Official Website of Promised Land

E!Online's Gerald McRaney Movie List