Hometown: Union, Mississippi
Present City: Dallas
Education: B.F.A. and M.S. from the University of North Texas
Profession: College professor (retired)
Tell us about your family.
I am the youngest of nine children. I am a “P.K.” My wife, Linda, a longtime Wilshire member, died in 2016. I am father to “Scooter,” who was born with multiple disabilities. I am a stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather. These facts have molded me into the person I am today.
Any favorite hobbies?
I am an avid “junker.” I enjoy searching for treasures in resale and thrift stores, estate sales and the like.
What are your favorite places to travel?
If the destination includes warm sun, sea and sand and a frozen adult beverage, I am in! I enjoy traveling in Italy. The island of Ischia ranks as a favorite sun, sea, sand destination. Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta make the list as well.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
My wife brought me to Wilshire. I joke that I became Baptist by marriage. We were married in McIver Chapel in 1981. Where are you engaged at Wilshire? I am a member of Open Bible Class. My fellow members are extended family, and I am blessed to have their love, acceptance and support. I have been crowned the eternal social director, and I occasionally teach.
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
I prefer the word pleased rather than surprised. I am pleased that the words “Be you. Belong.” aren’t simply words printed on the banner outside the church, but are words proclaimed on the chancel inside the church. The fact that your original baptism, your sexual orientation, your political affiliation, your race, your gender, et. al. is not de facto exclusionary is refreshing.
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
God is letting me know that who I am and where I am at this stage of my life is something that can be woven into the tapestry that makes up Wilshire.
Tell us about your faith journey.
Born and reared a Pentecostal preacher’s kid, I toyed with atheism, agnosticism and skepticism. Finding Wilshire gave me a spiritual family, a place of acceptance and the gift to spiritually live and grow in the love and grace of God.
What is something interesting most people would not know about you?
I am, at my core, an introvert. The Myers-Briggs shows me as an INFP with a decidedly strong “I.”
What adjectives best describe you?
Accepting, giving, creative, loyal, protector, fighter.