Born June 14, 1944, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Roger’s humble beginnings in the Cedar Fork community of Claiborne County shaped the person he was throughout his life. He earned his graduate degree in education from the University of Tennessee and taught economics and vocational courses at Claiborne County High School. Roger never tired in his work to improve Claiborne County and East Tennessee. He served for 36 years on the board of directors for Powell Valley Electric Cooperation, as Vice-Chairman of the Claiborne County Industrial Development Board, and as Board President at Citizens Bank. He helped open the Five Rivers Career Center and led the effort to bring a Walters State campus to Claiborne County.