Dan was born and reared in the Decatur area.  He began work as a lineman for T P& L after he graduated from high school, but he spent most of his life as a dairyman, milking over 120 cows at one point, before he retired in 1986. Currently he raises beef cattle, but what he really loves to do is build saddles and restore antique cars. His love for cars began with his first car, a two-toned green 1940 Chevy called “Nellie Belle.” He has since restored a 1930 Model A coupe, a 1937 Ford pickup, a 1936 Ford touring sedan (his gangster car), and a 1964 red Mustang. In fact, Dan has been a member of the Wise County Antique Auto Club since 1975, currently serving as Director. There is nothing that Dan cannot do well. He even made a complete bedroom suit which he still owns today!  If you look closely around the church, you will find his handiwork everywhere.  Oak Grove is blessed to have such a dedicated Christian to lead us as we strive to do God's will in our lives.  His life reflects the sentiments expressed in his favorite hymn below.

Dan's favorite Bible verse is John 3:16: 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Dan's favorite hymn is"More Like the Master."

More Like The Master

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do.

Refrain: 
Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;
Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own.
Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore,
Wash me and keep me Thine forevermore.

More like the Master is my daily prayer;
More strength to carry crosses I must bear;
More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in;
More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.

Refrain

More like the Master I would live and grow;
More of His love to others I would show;
More self denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be.

Refrain