Born in Howard County, I grew up in a tiny little map dot called Umpire, population 115 (Go Wildcats!).  I graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Married 39 years to my wife Dena, we were blessed with one daughter, Lauren. We have been members of the First Baptist Church in Nashville since 1993. After a 38-year career in banking, I retired in January 2023. This allowed me the time and opportunity to become the Executive Director of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce. Besides writing, my main purpose in life is to be grandpa to our two gorgeous granddaughters Abigail (4) and Ella Grace (1).