Ray Mills
Next to God, the most important thing in my life is Family!
My Wife Connie
My story began in Frankfort, Germany in 1965. After 8 weeks of radio communication school, I was given 30 days leave to a destination of my choice. It didn't take long for me to pack my bags. California here I come for some R&R which I had earned. As it turned out, it was anything but R&R.
After a brief visit with family and friends, I decided it was time to meet the girl my sister had written me about. As I walked into “Miss Burbank Beauty Salon” I was greeted by my sister Sue who was anxiously waiting for me. After a warm embrace and greeting, Sue whispered in my ear (Connie is the blond on the left). Sue ask Connie to come to the receptionist desk and as she made her way to the front, many thoughts raced through my mind, what do I say? Will she like me? Maybe I overdressed! She must have a boyfriend! From the moment we made eye contact, I knew this was a special young lady.
Connie, I would like to introduce you to my brother Ray. Hi Ray, Sue told me all about you! I hope it was all good I said! Yes, it was she said! Connie was the girl of my dreams, as my sister put it! I can’t wait I’ve got to ask her out. Before I could say another word Sue said, maybe we can go out tonight together so you two can get acquainted. We both agreed!
After two weeks of dating, I ask Connie to go to Germany with me and she said, what do you mean? I said will you marry me? With a great big smile on her face, she said yes! Two weeks later we were wed!
The day I met Connie was the beginning of my life changing journey. We have been blessed with two wonderful children. Our son Jeff was born in 1966 and our daughter Tanya was born 1968. Tanya was the first to marry Steve and give us two granddaughters, Brooke and Jordan. Jeff married Debbie and they gave us two grandsons, Trever and Luke. Life for us has been all about family and God. We have been happily married now for 50 years! I hope and pray we can make it another 50 years!
Brooke, Our daughter Tanya, Steve Our Son-in-law and Jordan.
Jordan & Brooke, my granddaughters.
Luke and Trever our grandson's
Our son Jeff and Debbie our daughter-in-law
My Wood Carving Journey began in February 2009:
My great love for woodworking was always apparent, but my passion for woodcarving came as a total surprise. My world changed dramatically in 2008 because of an accident which could have been prevented by using better safety habits. Today, safety is the most important rule in my shop as well as in my life.
After the accident, I discovered wood carving by the grace of God! From that very first crude carving of an old man, a dream was born. A dream that somehow became a passion and a life changing journey.
As I continue development of my wood carving skills, I am confident with the support and resources of people like John Burke, Jeff Pharis and many other artists that have inspired my works, WoodcarvingBobby3Hat.com will be a great success! I am reminded that "the true beauty lies in the imagination of the artisan".
Sincerely Ray Mills...