My life has always been filled with laughter. I grew up in a Christian home, my father was a deacon, and my mother was a Sunday school teacher. My entire family was devout Southern Baptists. I have one brother, and he is two years older then I am. We were close growing up, but at times we may have tried to kill each other (it was always his fault). However, no matter how much we fought, we did not let anyone else pick on our brother. We were always taking up for each other.
 
I was a typical boy. Full of energy and always plotting what to get into next. If I relived my childhood today, I could be a poster child for A.D.D. However, my parents believed in the medication of 3 licks with a belt vs. the pills they have now, but that’s another story. Let’s just say that focusing on academics was not in my cards.
 
I grew up in a little community called Wellborn, just outside of Anniston, AL. When I was 16, I decided I wanted to work at a funeral home. I was able to get a part-time job at a funeral home in a nearby county. (I know, you are thinking, "a comedian/motivational speaker that wanted to work at a funeral home?! Just hold on, the story gets better).
 
After high school, I began full time at a funeral home in Jacksonville, AL. After a while, I did leave full time work in the funeral business for about 6 years (I did stay part time at other funeral homes, actually 8 different funeral homes spread over 4 counties). I wanted to try some new things in life, and see if there was a job that fit me better. So I got a job as a supervisor at a security company. I promise you that I was the youngest guard on the force. They gave me a badge and uniform, (I could have been Mall Cop). I only lasted a month.
 
My next career move was to become a test rider for a major American motorcycle company. Basically, a paid crash-test dummy. However, I did well at this, and I moved up to a lead test rider. It was a big change going from the dress code for funeral services to working with guys that were covered in tattoos, wearing leather riding gear, and do-rags. These guys were the best. They all looked and talked rough and tough, but it did not take long before we all felt like brothers.
 
After a warning from my physician about progressing back pain, due to the wear and tear of testing bikes, I decided to return to school. It was time to become a marine technician (got to love infomercials). I started working on boats. I did learn that a lot of educated customers owned expensive boats. However, now matter how much education you have, or how much money you spend on your toys, common sense is not always required. I enjoyed this work, so I decided to open my own place. Of course, I open the business just as one of the worst droughts in the Southeaster United States has had in decades. The shop didn’t last long.
 
I decided it was time to go back to what I knew. I went back into the funeral business full time. In fact, I went back to Jacksonville, AL. Now during these 20 years, and multiple career changes, I also did a lot of "side jobs". I have been a part-time youth minister, associate pastor, volunteer fire fighter, business owner, and served on a number of civic club committees.
 
I still live in that same town, Jacksonville but now I have two sons, a daughter and my best friend my wife. My brother and my parents remind me frequently that "I am paying for my raising." All three of them have very strong, but yet unique personalities. They continuously giving me material to tell about. Raising kids today in this new "I" generation (ipod, itouch, ipad, etc) keeps me busy. From the new language they use (like, lol, brb, lmbo, jk, yw, u2, ilu, ck, ok, cl, brt, and so on), to trying to keep up with the advances in the electronics they just "have-to-have", keeps me on my toes.
 
I know it is hard to imagine, "A funeral director with a sense of humor", but life is funny. Even in such a serious, somber business, you see a lot of funny things. Besides, how many people do you know that can share stories of being a undertaker/security guard/test rider/marine mechanic/youth minister/associate pastor/fire fighter/dad with Baptist roots and ADD?
 
My stories come from all walks of life. I have learned over the years that no matter who we are, or how much education we have, we still make mistakes and sometimes just don’t catch on. It’s my job to tell you about the mistakes I have made, and share the stories of some that I have seen others make! I promise you will be entertained!