He was born and raised in Henderson, County, Tennessee, near Lexington, TN.  He was a WWII veteran, in the European front. Enlisted 5 October, 1939 at Fort McLellan, Alabama. Served in 845th Engineer Aviation Battalion 144. If I am correct, it was originally the 21st Regiment (Avn). He received his honorable discharge 30 August, 1945. 