Bacon Mike 2016

After ORHS I entered Auburn University where I studied architecture for two years.  I transferred to UT to study business but lost a lot of hours in the transfer putting me in trouble with the draft.  There is a long story here and I will spare the reader.  I joined the US Army and served two and one-half years at various posts including a tour of Viet Nam.

I returned to Tennessee and entered UT where I graduated in March 1974.  I am married to the former Patti Eby also of Oak Ridge class of 1969.  (We did not date in high school).

After graduating from UT, I worked for Phillips Petroleum and then later worked for Michelin North /America.  I retired eight years ago from Michelin after thirty two years working in various HR capacities including the last ten as Manager of Employee Benefits.

Patti and I have two daughters one of which graduated from UT and the other graduated from the College of Charleston.  We have two grandsons who in addition to be being handsome are very smart.

We are fortunate that they live nearby so we can spoil them at every opportunity.

We enjoy UT football having had season tickets since 1981.  We have seen the highs and the lows but continue to hang on.  We have been to every SEC stadium except Texas A&M and Missouri.  We are going to A&M this year to check that one off the list.  Both Patti and I have been local chapter Presidents of the Alumni Assoc. as well as serving on the National Alumni Board of Governors.

I have coached church league basketball for 27 years in addition to being the leader of basketball program.  II coach the girls 1st and 2nd grade team!  I started coaching with my own girls and just never grew up.  I know I am really getting old as I get invited to previous player's weddings and have coached the daughter of a girl I coached in the 1st grade!

Since retirement Patti and I have done a great deal of traveling around the world checking items off the bucket list.  Highlights to me of our travels have been a trip to Machu Picchu, The Galapagos, Australia and an African Safari.  We have three more trips planned for the next few years to include the British Isles, Mardi Gras and Tahiti.  We are trying to do as much as we can while our health and knees are good!

Lastly in the past few years I have been reading and learning more about the history of Oak Ridge.  I thought I knew it but learned I really didn't.  If you haven't already done so I recommend you read 'The Girls of the Atomic City'.

See everyone in June.  I have less hair and a few more pounds than before.
Posted By: NS Administrator - 05-04-2016
Views: 1887