David Winfield Killam is grateful for the WBCA 2025 Mr. South Texas award

David Winfield Killam was recently named the 2025 Mr. South Texas Award recipient by Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, honored for his contributions to the region’s growth and development.

Killam, a leading expert in the oil and gas and real estate development industries, spoke with LMT and reflected on his personal and professional journey and what it means to him to be the recipient of this special recognition.

At an event on August 6 at Falcon Community Bank, the WBCA announced Killam as the prestigious 2025 honoree.

Fernando Montemayor, president of the 127th Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, congratulated Killam and said his family has been here for generations.

“That says a lot about the love Mr. Killam has for Laredo and South Texas,” he said.

Killam is honored to be named “Mr. South Texas.”

“My initial reaction to being named Mr. South Texas was surprise, but then I was overcome with a feeling of great humility,” he said. “It is a very great honor and I am grateful that the WBCA considers me worthy of this honor.”

He said he was pleased with the recognition and felt gratified that past efforts were being appreciated by people he respected so much.

“The WBCA is a great organization that puts a spotlight on Laredo and its unique and rich history,” he said. “We share that history with our neighbors to the south, and the WBCA celebrates the ties that unite Mexico and the United States. We must keep those ties strong.”

Born and raised in Laredo, Killam is the son of Sue and Radcliffe Killam and the grandson of Hattie and OW Killam.

He attended local schools through ninth grade and then graduated from the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. He attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and later completed the TCU Ranch Management Program.

“I really enjoyed growing up in Laredo,” he said. “Laredo was a smaller place back then, and you felt like you knew almost everyone. You were always surrounded by familiar faces, so I would say Laredo was a very friendly place to grow up.”

He added that Laredo offers a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Killam said that after graduating, he returned to Laredo and immediately began working for the family business.

“I would say the work was interesting and I felt like I was always learning something new,” he said. “I like solving problems and there was always a lot to think about.”

He said one of the many challenges he has faced in his professional life has been the changing landscape of the oil and gas market.

“The various oil and gas prices over the last 40 years have driven most independent operators out of business. There are very few of us left,” he said.

Killam said that despite the challenges, working with his children, Radcliffe and David, gives him the greatest satisfaction.

“They’re both in the business with me and it’s fun to work with them and see their skills grow,” he said. “What we experience as a team is immeasurable.”

In closing, Killam said this recognition commits him to continue to be involved in the community, to participate in the work necessary to improve it and to encourage others to work to make Laredo a better place.

“I would also encourage everyone to get involved in the life of our community as much as possible,” he said. “This can be done in many different ways, such as getting involved in your children’s education or volunteering for one of the many charities. There are many different ways to make a positive difference.”

“I believe there is a lot of personal satisfaction in helping other people. Your participation and help will make Laredo a better place. Together we can create a better future for everyone.”