1. What is your favorite food?
Most anything, actually, but if I had to name one (based on something I can eat at any meal, or anytime, and what I would want as a last meal) I’d have to say Eastern NC barbecue…and yes, the Eastern qualifier is necessary, as any good folk who know real barbecue would affirm!

2. Tell us about your family?
I have been married to Ellen since September 5, 1981. We were young, but we were sure we knew what we were doing. We didn’t, but we learned. We have no biological or adopted children, though we do have several faith children.

3. What is your favorite hobby? What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I can, golf is the thing that I like to do. As most avid golfers can attest, sometimes it relaxes and recharges, and sometimes it does the opposite. Nevertheless, it’s still the greatest game ever played. Fishing, working wood, and playing with tools also interests me.

4. Tell us a funny story about yourself?
When I was about six or seven, my mom and dad were at a dinner party at a church member’s house. Dad, proud of how smart I was, called me to the table during dessert and coffee to display my prowess. He asked me to write the number ten. I wrote “01” on a paper napkin. Telling me that it was close but not correct, he asked, “What will make it correct?” I turned the napkin 180 degrees, thereby having it read “10”, and returned to the children’s room, escorted by thunderous laughter. This experience shaped how my mind works to this day, as anyone who knows me can confirm.

5. When did you come to faith in Christ?
At age nine, in my home church under an interim pastor. I remember two things about that experience. One, how white my knuckles were gripping the pew in front of me. Two, standing at the front, waiting to speak with the pastor. This journey has had its ups and downs, victories and losses, but it-and I-have always been sustained by the Holy Spirit.

1. What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is BBQ any style, Kansas City, North Carolina, Memphis, Texas all of them with baked beans, coleslaw, garlic bread and sweet tea.

2. Tell us about your family?
I am married to my best friend Adele for 30 years. We have two children. Rebekah is 27 years old, married, and lives in Tyler, Texas. Calvin is 43 years old.  He is married and lives in Perry, Florida. I have three grandchildren, Garrett 19, Callen 7 and Emma 6.

3. What is your favorite hobby? What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with Adele, reading, and meeting new people. Beyond that, I’m an avid outdoorsman. I love to hunt, fish and catch alligators. I am possibly the only pastor in the state of Florida that catches alligators for a hobby.

4. Tell us a funny story about yourself?
My now son-n-law Paul wanted to ask for my daughter Rebekah’s hand in marriage. So I invited to take ride with me some place quiet so that we would not be interrupted as I wanted to discuss with him certain topics before I would give my blessing. Our ride was to a 33,000 acre WMA (Wildlife Management Area) south of Crystal River. As we were riding around, I began to question him about his relationship with Christ and numerous other things. When I was satisfied with his answers, I asked if he knew where we were, and he promptly replied that he had been lost from the time we arrived. Later he confessed that he thought that I was going to leave him in woods.

5. When did you come to faith in Christ?
I came to faith and trust in Christ November 1985 at Bammell Road Baptist Church Houston, Texas.