9. Smiley Burnette
In the show, the Hooterville Cannonball, once connected to a nationwide network. Years ago the bridge collapsed, isolating the train from the system. Fortunately, the train retained its conductor and engineer. Smiley Burnette played Charley Pratt, the engineer, and Floyd Smoot’s sidekick. Burnette was also a musician, one who recorded some 400 songs, earning him a spot in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Western Music Association. He passed in 1967 at age 55.
