My wife, Susan, and I are originally from Ohio.  I graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served in the U.S. Navy for 25 years, retiring as a Captain.  Fun Fact: I traveled to 91 countries while on active duty.  Post military retirement, I was a Financial Advisor working mostly with military retirees/widows for 9 years.

Susan and our children first attended Calvary in the late 1980s while I was deployed overseas.  We moved back to Charleston after full retirement in 2003 and have been attending Calvary since 2008. I have served as Calvary’s Treasurer since 2012 and as a member of our Safety & Security Team.

Susan and I have three grown children and four grandchildren living here and in Florida.

Isaiah 41:9-10 and James 1:2-7 helped me through several hard patches in my naval career, especially during command at sea.

Originally from Ohio, I moved to the Lowcountry area in 1981 and joined Calvary in 1984 where I met my husband.    We have three adult children and enjoy traveling. I currently serve as Financial Secretary and on the Fellowship Committee. 

I have been a full-time member of Calvary Lutheran since 1977.
I served as Head Elder for a number of years, and later as Financial Secretary and Vice President. I have been the Property Care Manager since 2010.

I served in the United States Air Force from August 1966 to May 1969, stationed primarily in Anchorage, Alaska.

I completed my undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science, followed by a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

My first job was with Celanese Corporation in Charlotte, North Carolina. During that time, I earned my Professional Engineering License, which I continue to maintain in the state of North Carolina.

In 1976, I moved to the Charleston area to work for the Bayer Corporation.

I come from a family of aviators—my parents were the first licensed flying couple in the state of Iowa in 1930. My older sister and her husband were also licensed pilots, and my twin brother flew extensively. However, I am the only one in the family to have earned a Commercial Pilot License. When I “retired” from the Bayer Corporation in Charleston, I decided to build my own airplane: a four-place Cozy MKIV.

Wife: Zulema (Sue)
Our daughter, Laura Rayl, also attends Calvary.

I grew up in Waycross, GA, and graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. We moved to the Charleston area in 1989. I am retired from a career in manufacturing (engineering and executive management) in the textile/apparel and automotive industries. We have been attending Calvary since 1999.

I enjoy reading (mostly non-fiction), and I have a passion for learning and teaching of all kinds. I’m always open to meeting with others for coffee or lunch and a good discussion about the faith.

Fun Fact: I worked a short second career as an over-the-road flatbed 18-wheeler truck driver—because I (mistakenly) thought it would be a fun way to see America. I later enjoyed a third career as a high school mathematics teacher, teaching AP Statistics, AP Calculus, Algebra 2, and Digital Electronics. Nothing I ever did was as rewarding as seeing the excitement of a student grasping a new concept.

A favorite Bible verse – Habakkuk 3:17–19
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.

I have been a member of Calvary since 1984 and currently serve as an Elder. I also oversee the audio during services and events in the Fellowship Hall. In addition, I assist Calvary members through the Hands of His Mercy ministry by performing minor plumbing, electrical, and carpentry repairs.

I grew up in Pennsylvania and studied aviation mechanics, serving as an airframes mechanic in the Navy for four years. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida, I spent 44 years working as an engineer in the Naval Nuclear Program. Now retired, I devote much of my time to serving with Hands of His Mercy and participating in Calvary projects.

Isaiah 40:31 – Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

Member of Calvary for 44 years.
Elder for over 35 years.

I led the youth ministry for approximately 15 years and have been involved in numerous other ministries over the years, including our Homeless Ministry, Hands of His Mercy, Men’s Fellowship, and teaching.