I was born in rural Fannin County, northeast of Dodd City, the second of four sons. I attended school at Clutter Point and Gober, graduating from Gober High School in 1944.
Following high school, I attended Texas A&M College (now University), and graduated in 1949.

After serving in the U.S. Army in the early 1950s, I began a career in the newspaper business, first at the Denison Herald (5 1/2 years) and the Sherman Democrat (35 1/2 years), retiring in 1992.

I became a Christian in 1952, greatly due to the influence of my wife Tillie and her family. My service in the church has been varied, having been treasurer at the Grand Ave., Dewey Ave. and Parkview congregations and deacon and elder at the Dewey and Parkview churches.

My hobbies include woodworking and bowling.