I was born in Clinton, SC and spent my growing up years in that small community. I graduated from Clinton High School in May, 1972. I began my college career at the University of South Carolina , but I later transferred to Presbyterian College. I graduated from Presbyterian College in May, 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion. For the next year, I worked at Torrington in Clinton, SC driving a forklift. Following that year, I began seminary at Columbia Seminary in 1976. I graduated from Columbia Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 1980.

In June, 1980, I became the pastor of Wildwood Presbyterian Church in Morehead City, NC.  I was ordained by the old Presbytery of Wilmington on July 13, 1980. In August, 1980, I married Susan Ann Modlin. She was teaching first grade in Greenville, NC when we met. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina .

In March, 1983, Wesley, our oldest son, was born. In February, 1984, I moved to Advance, NC where I became the pastor of Bixby Presbyterian Church. Amy, our second child and only daughter, was born there in January, 1985. Susan completed her Master of Arts in Education from Appalachian State in 1986. In January, 1987, I became the pastor of Olney Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, NC.

Our second son and last child, Andrew was born there in July, 1989. I also completed my Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in May, 1994. In May, 1997, I became the pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, FL. I held that position until I became the pastor of First Presbyterian Church here in Lancaster, SC in February, 2009.