Audie Archer was born in Castro Valley, California on July 9, 1957. He attended elementary school in Valley Home, CA, and later went to Oakdale High School. Growing up, Audie spent his summers working at his family stables that were located in Mi-Wuk Village and Strawberry. He stayed busy competing in jackpot rodeos at the Hacienda Rodeo Grounds, La Grange, Ca which was operated by his Dad, Ken Archer, and Ray Norton. When he wasn’t competing in the rodeos you could find him either behind the shoots or in the arena working as a pick-up man. After a day of rodeo you could find him at the Oakie Stomp in Columbia, dancing up a storm, and often arriving in his 1968 GTO. After high school, Audie worked at Texas Meat in Milton, where he stayed in the bunkhouse. In 1978, he began his trucking career, and soon after, he met his future wife, Sandy. Together they built a beautiful family including all their children Cindy, Ricky, Joey, Shawnda, Amber, and Alisha. They are proud of their growing legacy of 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Audie and Sandy lived in Oakdale during their early years before moving to Twain Harte in 1989. In 2002, Audie started Archer Trucking alongside his son, Joey, allowing him to stay closer to family while continuing the work he loves. Audie still operates Archer Trucking today. He also worked winters doing snow removal for Caltrans for 14 years, and has since retired from Caltrans. During fire season, he still transports equipment for Cal Fire and for Forestry contractors as hired equipment. Many of you may have seen him driving his bright yellow Peterbilt in the morning hauling an end dump full of rock, and then that same afternoon hauling cows to the mountains for the ranchers. If you
ask Audie whether he plans on retiring any time soon, he will tell you he doesn’t have it in him.
Audie has always been deeply involved in the local western community. He spent many years packing and working at Kennedy Meadows with Willie Ritts. He is a past member of the Twain Harte Horsemen. In 2001 he helped establish the Wildcat Wranglers at Sonora High School. Over the years Audie has organized many Junior Rodeo playdays for our local youth. Every year you can find him at the Mother Lode Fair Livestock Auction as a ring man jumping on chairs to see over the crowd to acknowledge bids during the auction. He loves helping our local youth get their animals sold. Since 1999, he has been a proud member of the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse. Audie continues to serve as Queen Chairman, alongside his wife, Sandy. He remains an active member of the Rodeo Committee. In 2007 he served as Captain of the Sheriff’s Posse. Most recently, Audie served as General Chairman from 2019–2024.
You may have recently seen Audie hauling our local Sonora High Wildcats football team on his lowboy trailer during the celebration parade in December, honoring their back-to-back state championship title.
Audie has one of the biggest hearts you will ever meet. He truly loves spending time with his family and is always the first one to show up and help—no matter the time, the place, or the situation. Audie has a deep love for God, and it shows in the way he lives his life with a servant’s heart. He gives quietly, works hard, and never hesitates to lend a hand to anyone in need. His kindness, generosity, and willingness to serve others are a true reflection of who he is. He truly has never met a stranger.
Audie is honored to serve as the 2026 Grand Marshal for the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse and wishes a Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. He welcomes everyone to the Mother Lode Round-Up Parade and Rodeo.