I am the son of Billy and Evelyn Felker of Columbia, TN where I was also born May 22, 1954.  I have been blessed with knowing about God and His word from childhood since my parents became disciples of Jesus early in their married life.  During my young life I attended the Mooresville Pike church in Columbia, listening to faithful preachers of the gospel like Reavis Petty and Jimmy Thomas.  I was baptized near the age of twelve.  About that same time my father, who worked for many years in secular work, began to preach by appointment at two rural congregations in Maury County (Lanton church and Mt. Zion church).  Alternating with various men, he continued to do this for over 40 years until his death in April of 2006! The brethren at these congregations gave me ample opportunities to grow as a young person and help set me on the path to preaching through their great encouragement.

My Path to Preaching

I made my first talk with the encouragement of Jimmy Thomas when I was about 14 years old.  During my junior high school years my family continued to attend Mooresville Pike where I benefited from the encouragement of Colly Caldwell.  During those years I had many opportunities to lead singing in meetings in Maury County and hear many wonderful gospel preachers.  I preached my first sermon in high school but really began to preach regularly during my college days at Middle Tennessee State University.  Several of the congregations in Rutherford County gave me opportunities to preach.  By my junior year I was preaching regularly each Sunday for the Gloriana congregation and the Red Hill congregation. In my early college years I enjoyed the helpful instruction and training of men like Bob Bunting and David Arnold.  During my college days I met Steve and Becky Cawthon who were to have a great impact on my life as a young college student.  I worked for summer as a fellow-worker with Steve serving the Westview congregation.  God truly surrounded me with men and women of great spirituality and devotion to Him through my whole young life.  I will always be grateful for the blessings He gave me through so many. By my senior year, my decision was made.  I would lay down the trumpet and take up the proclamation of the Bible and its message as my life's work.  I have no regrets!