After graduating from Memphis State in 1968, I worked in the private sector, until the mid 70s. I then went to work for the City of Memphis, Purchasing Department, where I was eventually promoted to the position of City Purchasing Agent. In 1988, I was appointed Director of Sanitation Services, where I served until my retirement in the early 90s.

After retiring, I began taking college courses in horticulture. I became a U.T. Certified Master Gardener, and received an Award of Achievement in Horticulture from State Tech at Memphis.

Lynn and I have been married for over 40 years and we have two children. A daughter, Renee, who lives in Memphis, teaches 1st grade in the Shelby Co. school system. She and her husband have three sons. Our son, Rob, lives in Arkadelphia, Ark., where he works as a rep for Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceutical Co. He and his wife have two sons.

In Oct. 2007, I was sworn into the Tennessee State Guard with the rank of Sergeant.

Besides being heavily involved in gardening, we have 2 labs and a golden retriever and enjoy traveling. We're active at First Baptist Church of Fisherville . We also enjoy spending time with our five grandsons.

This from a guy who once told his daughter when she asked what he wanted his grandchild to call him replied, "deceased." God truly works in mysterious ways.