Graduated from Sylvan High School in Atlanta in 1974. Moved to Buford in 1979. Retired from Delta Airlines in 2008. Coached rec softball at Buford City Park for about 10 years before becoming a Community coach for Buford High School fast pitch softball for 21 years and counting. Community coach baseball from 2008 to 2021. Had the pleasure being part of a great run of 10 high school state championship teams in softball and 2 state championship in baseball as a Community coach. A member of the chain crew for Friday night home football games for over 20 years. One of the ones along with Ken Burge. Ken would cut the outfield and I would cut the infield. Up until both the baseball and softball fields were turfed I lined off the fields for games and maintained the softball field.
I drive a bus for the JV softball team and school events as needed. I have been roller skating since the age of 2 and still skate today.
Through all this I made a lot of great friends . I tried to present myself in a manner that I would want to see all those who I coached over the years know that I loved each and every one of them. And from players to coaches to teachers I am always here to support them. For none of this is about me. It is about our kids and our Buford community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Married to Patty for 46 years. We have 4 daughter’s, all who graduated from Buford. Have 8 grand kids.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Retired from Delta Airlines. 2008. Community coach for softball. 21 years. Hope to coach at least 3 more years. I love being on the field with our kids. Being there for the coaches and the school system when needed.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
LongHorns, Applebee’s , Chick-fil-A
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in the Buford Community for 43 plus years. Worked with Buford City Schools as a Community coach 21 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Harold Pluto Bagwell. He always was giving unselfishly to our kids and athletes.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bethlehem. visit where our lord and savor was born
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
TV shows leave it to Beaver. Movie Sand Lot
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Treat others with respect. Remember we are created different. If you respect others they will respect you. Don’t be afraid to step out and help others.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I really don’t have one
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Eagles
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Applebee’s The pictures on the wall from Buford athletics of the past.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would not chose just one. It would be the guys I worked with at Delta in the tooling department. A great bunch and always had each others back. We were family. And it would be Chick-fil-A
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The family. In Buford we are all family.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully still being a part of the Buford community
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a roller skater, did competition skating . been skating since 2 . And At the age of 66 still skate.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The mountains. Love the peace and quit .
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July, Christmas , Dec. 25
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Watching our kids succeed
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My uncle Dearly Bashers. He has cerebral palsy never got to play a sport. He never gave up. growing up him sitting down playing catch with me and my brother Randy. Walks around the block.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
cooking out on the grill
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Family and support
