Joy and I are excited to join you in ministry to the city of Cleveland. This marks our sixth appointment over 31 years in pulpit ministry. We served in the Kentucky Annual Conference from 1993-2004 while I completed my B.S. in Education at the University of Louisville, and my M.Div. at Asbury Theological Seminary. All three of our sons, Taylor, Grayson, and Chandler, were born during this time. I was ordained an elder in 2003 just prior to transferring to Joy’s home conference of Holston in order to remain faithful to my vow of itinerancy while she could be close enough to help her parents when necessary.
I am originally from Virginia, and was raised to appreciate itinerant life as my parents and sister moved around the south with Dad’s work at GE. Joy and I met in 1987 at the World United Methodist Youth Conference in Brisbane, Australia. I then served in the U.S. Navy from 1988 to 1990 active duty. Joy finished her education in 2007 at ETSU with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies and has worked primarily in education and business administration.
Our family has expanded in the last two decades. My mom and sister’s family remain in Kentucky. Our son Taylor and wife Lori reside in Chesapeake, Virginia. Grayson and Anika recently purchased a home in Columbus, Georgia. Chandler, his wife Shoshana, and sons Calix and Ozzie live in Greeneville, Tennessee. Joy is very active in our grandsons’ lives providing care and support getting Calix to his many weekly therapy appointments. We also have chosen sons and daughters from Venezuela. Siblings Philips, Bianca, and Kelys now live in Illinois and Alex and wife Debbie currently live in Chile.
Outside of church our favorite activities include concerts, plays, travel, reading, family time, animal rescue and SEC sports.
We eagerly anticipate hearing your stories and growing closer in Christ.
