Birth Place: Native Texan. Born Galveston, Texas
Education: Received elementary and secondary education in the Galveston Texas School System. Attended New York College majoring in Business with emphases on Industrial Relations and Labor Law, Attended the Seamen Church Institute to take a course in Celestial Navigation.
Memberships & Positions held include the following: Member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas as a Master Mason, received his 33 degree within the Scottish Rite system and is member of Doric Shrine Temple No. 76 AEAONMS.
Employment: Worked 30 years as an elected Contract Officer of the National Maritime Union.
Military Service: A Veteran Of World War II serving from 1941 to 1945 when he was Honorably Discharged by the United State Coast Guard