Maurice Woodward Ritter, better known as "Tex" embodied the spirit and nostalgia of the American Cowboy with his career as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, actor, and author. Born in Panola County, Texas he moved to Nederland, Texas as a child and eventually became a star of the "western" film genre in the 1940's and 50's. Best known for the records "High Noon" (a 1952 Oscar winning song for the film of the same title) and the "The Wayward Wind" (1956), Ritter also wrote "I Rye Whiskey," "Blood on the Saddle," "Goodbye Old Paint," "Back in the Saddle Again," and "Just Beyond the Moon." Known for his appearances on The Grand Ole Opry, Ritter was named to Country Music Hall of Fame in 1964. He eventually made his home in Nashville, Tennessee where he died in 1974. Ritter is buried in Oak Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches, Texas where a Texas Historical Marker marks the site of his grave. Memorabilia including film posters, costumes and photographs can be seen in his permanent exhibit in the Museum's Music Hall of Fame as well as an audio-visual of his appearance on The Grand Ole Opry.

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