Like most Georgia Southern Boys, my father taught me safety and responsibility early with a Daisy BB gun and tin cans. Later came a 22-single shot for squirrels, or a 20 gauge that was much more efficient. Guns and shooting have been a lifelong part of my heritage. Weekends did not consist of school functions or sporting events; they were spent Boy Scouting or with friends on fishing ponds, dove fields and camping trips.

     After college, I felt the pull to law enforcement and retired after a wonderful career with the Georgia State Patrol. This allowed me to obtain multiple instructor certifications to include Georgia P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor. After retirement, I became certified as a National Rifle Association Instructor for both the Basic Pistol and the Basic Rifle.

      In 2014, my good friend Steve introduced me to USPSA and Steel Challenge. I wish I had discovered them a lot earlier in life. Not only did this give me another reason to go throw lead, but as a law enforcement officer it provided me with the opportunity to hone my tactics and techniques. For those serious about their pistol sports shooting, you know traveling is a must to other cities and states to big events. And it is not just about the shooting. The people you meet and come to know become friends that you want to compete with over and over again. This started the dream, and I wanted to build that venue. I wanted to develop a range for like-minded people to come to learn, share, and enjoy. I have raised my children around guns while teaching them the importance of safety, and it has always given me joy to take them hunting or watch them shoot. The number one reason for building Double Alpha Ranch is to allow other parents to do the same. The second is to teach proper gun safety to those that have not been afforded the opportunity earlier in life, and the third is to host shooting matches involving multiple disciplines.