Reared in central Kentucky, Bill was active in Scouting.  He did a lot of hiking and camping as a teen-ager.  His first disastrous attempt at carving was a Boy Scout neckerchief slide and a very dull knife.  It would be many years before he would be inspired to try again.

     He likes to paint occasionally, but he describes himself as an artisan rather than an artist.  Bill finds his talents are best expressed in his wood carvings.  He carves caricatures, colonial spoons, walking sticks and small animals.  Even today, he jokes about cutting himself very easily and wears partial gloves to protect his hands.  This photo shows him working on a totem about five feet long.  Begun in 2004.  It will take ten to twelve years to finish.  It is for his grandson, Jordan.  Carvings will depict important life events.  The child's height is also noted at birth and at each birthday.  This November (2007), Bill started another totem for his second grandson, Mathew.  They will be given to Jordan and Mathew when they are taller than the totems.

     As a retired teacher and history buff, Bill likes to follow some of the old traditions in his works. 

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