Born June 17, 1958 in Jefferson City, Tenn. on a farm, I started school at the age of six, and continued at the same school until the 8th grade in New Market, Tenn. I attended Jefferson High School for ninth and tenth grade. I moved to Walnut Springs, Texas, and finished my high school years in 1976. I graduated from high school at Walnut Springs.
I joined the Marine Corps in 1977. I was head chef, and taught other Marines how to cook. I was responsible for teaching them how to cook for about 1800 Marines. I got discharged in 1981. I cooked for numerous businesses all over. I decided to open up a BBQ restaurant, J.R.s BBQ in Dallas/Ft. Worth. I owned my own catering business in Austin, Texas. I was approached by Willie Nelson, he asked what kind of work I did, I told him I was a cook. Willie offered me a job cooking at his ranch. I worked for Willie for two years in Austin.
I moved back to DFW and started construction work, and to be back with family for several years. I started traveling and ended up in Phoenix and also Flagstaff, AZ and did construction work. I missed my family, so I went back home and stayed for a couple of years. I lost all my family, so I had to get away, I ended up in Los Angeles for a couple of years.
I came to my home state in 2009, Tennessee. That is when I started selling the Contributor paper. I have been selling the paper for 14 years now. I was homeless with two quarters in my pocket. A friend told me about the paper. I want to thank my customers for helping me get off the street, and all the support and love they give. I want to thank all the volunteers at the paper office for helping me get off the street also.
I thank God for leading me to sell the paper, and putting all of the wonderful people in my life that I have met on my corner. My life has not been easy, it’s not a “bed of roses” but I’m making it one day at a time.