Meanest Man in Texas : A True Story Based on the Life of Clyde Thompson

by Don Umphrey

The amazing true story of Clyde Thompson set in Texas prisons between 1928 and 1955. With three life sentences to serve and years in solitary confinement, he reached a point where he was beyond human help. Only God could save him.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

286 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1984

Reviews

[Stella Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book for many reasons. first of all, it’s just a super good story. second it gives real historical info on texas and it’s penal system which i thought was aweosme. third it’s an awesome redemption story and shows how God helped save a prisoners life.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. You really have to pay attention to names. It is a wonderful true story that will leave you wanting more.

[Landon Genry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was unexpectedly good. I didn’t have high hopes for this book starting out, but I was wrong. I think it tells an interesting story about how one moment can take you down a lifetime of pain that you probably never envisioned for yourself, but even after a lifetime of bad decisions there is still hope for redemption. Plus, it’s a true story which makes it even better.

[Hewitt Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 175 pages of the book are very interesting, which details how Clyde became known as "the meanest man in Texas." The last 100 pages explains how he became a man of faith after essentially being buried alive in the former death row morgue for many years.

[Julius Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Even seriously funny at times! The movie Life would be my description of this book! I would recommend it to anyone!

[Kitty Catalyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book about an incredible man.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from Eastland County, Texas, this book is amazing! The historical data! Growing up, we all heard about the Santa Clause Bank Robbers; this has details I have never heard! One of these robbers was hanged in the last mob lynching in Texas, and there is a stone to recognize this. Come on and visit! But the rest of the story is in this book...wow! The hell Clyde Thompson went through in the prison system, and his redemption is an amazing story. The people he met. The press is still terrible even today at blowing things up, and Clyde's trail was held at the school auditorium. The school was brand new back then, and it still stands today. Wish I had known about this man before my Great Grannie past. Sure would have been interesting to hear what she had to say, having grown up in Eastland County and being one of the first graduates at the new school; they were about the same age, her and Clyde. The Old Rip horn toad...Eastland still celebrates that lizard every first weekend of October.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up in the churches of Christ in the 50's and 60's, then training for ministry and preaching from the 80's on -- I had heard the story of Clyde Thompson referred to many times. This past week I saw the previews to the movie about his life, based on this book; and decided that I needed to read the book. What a remarkable story it is about the magnitude of the choices we make, the struggle to maintain a positive attitude and hope, and most of all, the saving/change power of the Gospel. It is a great story, that is written to keep the reader involved, and I would recommend it to most anyone.

[Tim Genry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the meanest man in Texas be reformed? Can there be true transformation in the heart of a man full of anger, bitterness and rage? Is there hope for mankind at his worst?
Jesus once told his apprentices, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible."
Clyde Thompson would say the same thing if he were alive today!

[Phyllis Medlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

This book is an excellent true life experience and an example of what God can do in one's life. Good 👍 book! Highly recommend

[David Schlack · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 - A poignant story of a violent Texas criminal who serves 28 years behind bars and discovers Jesus Christ and His saving grace.

[Annelise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! it's a great story of the redemptive power of the cross and what it means to live for him regardless of your circumstances.

[Laci Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful redemption story! I love learning about the prison system during this time period. Gave me a new perspective.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was stepping out of my box reading this kind of genre, and it did not disappoint. It was a little slow going at some points, which is why it gets 4 stars instead of 5. But overall it was great. I couldn’t wait to finish because I just didn’t see how Clyde was going to get out of the mess he put himself in. Very powerful story of redemption.

[Larry Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly good story. I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting this book down. This is a good book to read after one has read The Story. Clyde Thompson's story is an incredibly wonderful lower story that shows there is an upper story happening also.