I was saved at age nine and baptized at age ten. My mother and father were involved in church work and I was there at least three times a week. Both parents taught Sunday School and my father was a deacon. My older brother and my younger sister are also saved and baptized.
I worked in Education as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent for 42 years. After retirement from Education I worked as a Chaplain in a nursing home for five years and as Executive Director for one year. I have served as pastor of Shanghai First Baptist Church since February 1, 2016. I also serve as Interim Senior Adult and Pastoral Care Pastor at First Baptist Church of Athens which began May 1, 2021.
I have many “favorite Bible verses”. My personal challenge verse is found in Ecclesiastes 9:10. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” This verse says to me, we need to be about our Lord’s business while there is still time!
Something interesting about me that most people would not know is that I have authored four books and another is in the make. They are for sale at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and at Christian Faith Publishing. I have also published numerous articles.
My favorite food is fried chicken and my favorite restaurant is Oyster House in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Captain Anderson’s in Panama City is also a favorite.
The Tennessee Volunteers and the Samford University Bulldogs are my favorite sports teams. I enjoy all sports teams fielded by either of the great institutions. I am an SEC fan!
My hobbies include writing and being around horses. My first love is to spend time with the Savior and have special times with my precious wife, Jackie.
Two of my favorite vacation spots are Gulf Shores and Panama City. However, my beloved Giles County is a place of great beauty and inspiration.
My favorite Old Testament character is Joshua. He listened to the Lord and his obedience to God brought great success. He is a wonderful example of being a warrior for God. My favorite Old Testament story is to read of how the Israelites crossed the Jordon and won the Battle of Jericho.
My high school sweetheart, Jackie, and I have been close together for fifty-eight years. We started as friends, became best friends, dated for seven years and have now been married for forty-eight years. We have one daughter, Staley. Staley is now deceased and waiting for us in paradise. We have a son, Trent, who is married to our wonderful daughter-in-law, Anna, and lives in Moody, Alabama. Trent serves as a Nursing Home Administrator and Anna is a Speech Therapist. God has blessed our family.