Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

I was born in Alamance County in 1918.  Moved to Durham at age 2 and grew up there, graduating from Durham High School in 1935 and Duke University in 1939.  Was manager of Duke University Branch of Citizens National Bank upon graduation until entering U.S. Army in 1940 as a Private.  Returned to civilian life in 1946, as a Major, and was in retail hardware and appliance business in partnership with my brother-in-law.  Became CEO of $1 Million asset Bank of Granite in 1954 and remained CEO until 2006.  Bank grew from $1 Million assets to over $1 Billion.  Was chairman of N.C. Bankers Association and chairman of State Board of Community Colleges.  Also inducted into N.C. Business and N.C. Banking Halls of Fame.  Was named Distinguished Duke Alumni in 1994.  Am semi-retired as consultant and Chairman Emeritus of Bank of Granite.

After consulting with many prominent leaders of Caldwell County and Representatives of the House of Representatives, I decided Caldwell County needed a "stronger voice in Raleigh" and that I could provide that voice.  I have already thought I would like to serve in the General Assembly, but never had time before.  I feel that I have had the necessary experience to provide good representation for the 87th District (which encompasses all of Caldwell County).  I am very excited about the opportunity to serve my county where I have worked, raised my family and been active in civic, educational, and health care issues for the past 54 years.