Dad was born January 6, 1923 in Diablock, Kentucky. He was reared on a farm and his two brothers and three sisters worked very hard in the fields. He attended Berea College where he continued to work full time to cover his tuition and board. He met his wife, Rilda, nicknamed Ricky.

After one year in college, he was drafted into the army to serve during World War II. He was transferred to San Antonio, Texas and trained in the Medical Corp. to assist a neuro-surgeon in Okinawa doing brain surgery. My mom came to San Antonio and they were married there. After 18 months training, he was shipped to the Pacific and Mom returned home to wait and pray for his return. When he came back, Mom insisted that he go back to college and after receiving a B.S. degree in Business Administration, he was hired as a Zone Manager with International Harvester Company. After 35 years, he retired as a fleet account executive.

He worked with youth for many years. He served with Y-Indian Guides and received the Joe Friday award for outstanding service. He formed a Cub Pack and Boy Scout Troop 325, where I still carry on as Scoutmaster. He received the coveted Silver Beaver Award in Scouting. He also was voted Rotarian of the year in 1980.

The youth in the community have been so much a part of his life in many capacities and especially scouting which is close to his heart. He feels that there have been many miracles in his life and felt that God still had work for him to do. He has remained so positive throughout his illness and has been an example to family and friends.

He has been so proud of his family for their faith and love of God and the excellent way they have instilled this to their children.