Like my three brothers, I was fortunate to be born to Christian parents who had settled in Hapeville and at the First Baptist Church (FBC).  And like my three brothers, I was baptized at an early age and became involved in the many programs of FBC. Like many youths in those days, I grew restless and apart from the church during my late teen years. When I was 21 years of age, I had a unique opportunity to pursue a college degree where my brothers were attending: Sewanee, The University of the South.  It was a difficult journey for me, my grades suffered during my freshman year. Reaching a crossroads of succeeding or failing out of Sewanee, I put my fears aside and returned again to the Lord and Savior I had once trusted. In desperation I put my future from that day forward in God’s hands and slowly with his help I began to succeed with my studies culminating in graduating with honors in three- and one-half years.  I built upon this trust in the Lord and committed myself to become a devoted husband to my wife Jeanne, and father to my four children.  I continue to grow and learn in his wisdom.  I draw inspiration from this short passage which came to me at that time on the mountain campus of Sewanee. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hill from whence cometh my help.  My help comes from the Lord.  Psalm 121: 1-2 KJV