A Time For Everything

I was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Oscar and Verna Zimmerman on February 4, 1960. My father was a native of Newbern, Tennessee and my mother was from Toledo. I was the youngest with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. James, Sylvia, and Kendra are my remaining siblings.

I have one daughter, Niesha, who is now married and has two beautiful daughters of her own. Additionally there are 3 whom I also consider to be my children; Michael, Donovan and Tiffany. They’re adults now, each with families of their own. I’ve been blessed to have them as a part of my life. In our home the word “step” had no place. Love was something that was genuinely given and received as if I were their natural father and they were my natural children.

Construction work bought my father to Toledo. My mother worked hard cleaning homes and working in restaurants. Dad had a quiet demeanor and was the primary provider. My mother was more of the disciplinarian and known to speak her mind. They both were driving forces behind us being all of what God called us to be. They were great parents that provided very well, we never needed for anything. I note this because their ability to do so much with so little has taught valuable lessons that I apply in my life to this day.

I graduated from Toledo Central Catholic High School in 1978 and went on to attend Tennessee State University. There I was elected and served as Freshman Class Representative. The birth of my wonderful daughter Niesha compelled me to leave TSU and I joined the US Army in November of 1980.

I retired as a highly decorated 20 year veteran at the rank of Sergeant First Class in January 2000. My greatest achievement was becoming a two time recipient of The Soldiers Medal. The Soldiers Medal is the highest award given by congress for an act of bravery conducted while our nation is not declared at war. It has been bought to my attention that in the 100 year history of the US Army, there are a selective few who have been awarded The Soldiers Medal on multiple occasions.

The Lord God “IS” to me. Jesus Christ is my savior and my redeemer.

I currently reside in McKinney, Texas working in financial services, Real Estate, and the insurance industry.