Page 11 - DDS Newsletter the Scoop June 2017

Who is your favorite sports team or mascot? Did you play sports in high school or college?

The Atlanta Falcons – I am true to the home team! As I was growing up I had two favorite NFL
teams. First was the Pittsburg Steelers – I admired and wanted to emulate Lynn Swan, a wide
receiver. Secondly was the San Francisco 49ers – I admired Jerry Rice who was also a wide
receiver. In high school, I felt the need to root for the home team, so I became a Falcon’s fan. I
played multiple sports at Treutlen High – football, basketball, and baseball, and I also played
football in college at Furman University first and then at Morehouse.

Who have you looked up to for inspiration over your life?

First of all, my parents. My Dad is a business owner, he owned a construction company and was
a farmer, he has since retired. He dropped out of high school to take care of his parents. At the
age of 21, he started a company that would last 50+ years. Without a degree, he is one of the
smartest people I know. My Mom, was a caring person with the desire to help people. She helped
everyone she met. From the smallest thing to whatever she could give to them. I got my desire
to help others from her.

Secondly, I would say Bo Jackson, another football player. I keep a football photo card of him on
my desk for inspiration. He had a lot of things in his life that could have held him back, but he
didn’t let things get in his way or hold him back.

What is on your Bucket List that might surprise Team Members?

I have a goal to visit all 50 states and I have been to 46 of them so far. I also want to play golf at
St. Andrews in Scotland, the birthplace of golf.

What is the craziest thing that has happened to you as Commissioner?

We’ve had several items that have been spun up in the news media as well as with local voter
registration officials that have been crazy to deal with. Some news stories come up about things
that we shouldn’t even be involved in. The phrase “no good deed goes unpunished” is
appropriate for many of these things. Despite this, we should never stop doing good things.

If you are being served your favorite meal, what are you having?

I’m having a 10 oz. Filet cooked medium, asparagus, and a baked potato with butter, chives, and
bacon and red-velvet cake for dessert.