Cecil W. Pickler

After High School, I was undecided about my future plans. I worked for a year and during that time, Vietnam was in the news every day. I decided I had to serve so I joined the US Marine Corps and served a tour in Vietnam during 1970. I came back whole but have suffered from PTSD and hearing loss and was exposed to Agent Orange.

I married my first wife in 1972. She passed away in 1989 of cancer. We had two children. I married again but that was a disaster and we divorced after six years. I am now married for the third time to Debbie and I have grand children by her. We have been married for over fifteen years. We are very happy. Three months ago, Debbie retired so now we can really spend some quality time together. I am the happiest I believe I have ever been.

My daughter, Megan, is married and she and her husband live in High Point.

I have an Associate of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am an ordained minister and right now I am serving as the pastor of First Biker Church of America. We actually started this church in April 2017. We didn't have a long range planning committee or a feasibility study, we just launched it and ran with it.

A few years back, I bought myself a new Harley. I surprised my family. They did not see that one coming. I bought the bike to be free and to experience a bit more of the countryside before I die. I enjoy riding and am looking forward to riding with Robert Mason in the near future. I have taken a couple of trips, one to Gettysburg and the other to Washington, DC. I love the open road!!

Update: I am still working in my wood shop and staying busy around the house. Debbie retired in January of this year so we have a lot of great time with each other. I rode to the wall with Rolling Thunder this year. It was quite an experience to see so many bikes from all over the US and Canada. It was truly the biggest thing I have ever been a part of.

I never thought I would live to see the year 2000. IT seemed so far away at the time. I enjoyed High School and never knew then that it was the best and easiest time of my life. I enjoyed the Drafting class with Mr. Eller and I drove a school bus. I sang in the choir for a semester.