After serving in the Marine Corps, 1963-66, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill studying languages and business. Languages: French, Spanish, Russian, Rumanian. He opened a grading and landscaping business in 1971, as well  as took over the family hospital. Retiring in 2017, he ran for state and local office. He serves as Post 7313 Judge Advocate and attends New Salem Baptist Church in Pittsboro.