Elder Board Candidate Bios
Lealand Dean Sr.
- Born: September 1, 1942
- Grew up in Muleshoe, Texas
Education
- B.S. in Agronomy – Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University)
- M.S. in Biology – North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas)
Family
- Married to Mary Louise Dean on November 22, 1961
- Three children, 13 grandchildren, and “a bunch” of great-grandchildren
Career
- I worked 20 years in the seed industry as a plant breeder specializing in small grains and sorghums. I later retired from CAE after 18 years as a flight-simulator instructor.
Church Service
- Deacon
- Emergency Response Team
- Jail Ministry leader
- Teacher for Tuesday morning Bible study and Wednesday night Band of Brothers
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Ty Flippin
- Born: November 17, 1975 in Plainview, Texas
- I grew up on my family’s farm in and around Plainview.
Education
- Graduate of Plainview High School (1994)
- Attended Baylor University for one semester
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems – Texas Tech University (1997)
Family
- Married to Brandi Flippin on May 18, 1996
- Three children, one granddaughter
Career
- I have spent more than 25 years in the technology industry, primarily in sales and leadership roles. Beginning in 2014, I served as an executive leader helping startup software companies grow revenue with a focus on Fortune 100 clients. I “retired” from that full-time career in 2022 and am now a partner at TechCXO, a consulting firm that provides fractional and interim executives to technology companies nationwide.
- In addition, I am an instructor at FlightSafety for the Pilatus PC-24 business jet and occasionally fly on a contract basis. This new work arrangement has given me far more freedom to serve in and around the church.
Church Service
- Deacon
- Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee
- Chair of the Worship Pastor Search Committee
- Interim Worship Leader
- Involved with the Nearly-Newly Wed class and College Ministry
- Previously served as a teacher in the Youth Ministry
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Tony Holley
- Born: October 16, 1954
- I grew up in Fort Worth until 4th grade, then lived in Amarillo until 9th grade, followed by a short time in Lubbock before settling in Irving for high school. While at MacArthur High School in Irving, I was involved in the Texas state award-winning choir.
Family
- Married to Mary Kay Holley on May 3, 1976
- Two children, one grandchild—whom I had the joy of leading to the Lord last spring
Career
- I worked for many years in the retail jewelry business throughout North Texas and the Waco area. I studied gemology and managed stores for Morris Jewelry until the company was sold in 1990. I later bought and operated a shoe store in the Dallas area until the economic downturn following the September 11 attacks. I eventually retired from Adams Pest Control.
Church Service
- Deacon
- Life Group teacher for a men’s group in South Hall
- Men’s Ministry, Wednesday night Band of Brothers, and Connect Team
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Craig Ray
- Born: November 13, 1965
- I was born in Denton at the old Flow Memorial Hospital, just a few blocks from First Denton. My parents adopted me three days later, and we returned to Abilene, where I spent my earliest years. My dad’s work as a geologist in the oil industry required frequent moves, so I grew up living up and down Interstate 20.
Education
- Over the years, we lived in Abilene three times, Midland twice, and Eastland, and I ultimately graduated from high school in Tyler.
- I played baseball in college, signing out of high school with Baylor University. After two years, I transferred to Texas Christian University, where I completed my undergraduate degree. I later earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Family
- Married to Abby on July 18, 1992
- Three adult children, including twins
- One grandchild
Career
- My business partner and I own Keystone Synergy, LLC, headquartered in Rhome, Texas. Our primary fabrication facility is located seven miles west of Justin on FM 407, where we manufacture oilfield pressure pumping units, waste-equipment products, and structural steel packages for new buildings. We added a second facility in Ohio last year for our waste-equipment line and plan to expand into Colorado later this year.
Church Service
- Legacy Builders Life Group
- College Ministry Home Groups
- Past service as Deacon, Bus Ministry Driver, and member of the Connect Team
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Garry Thornburg
- Born: September 22, 1955
- I was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to John and Mildred Thornburg, and grew up in the Piedmont area of the state. I graduated from Dorman High School in Spartanburg.
Education
- I attended college in Charleston, South Carolina, and am a member of The Citadel Class of 1977. I hold a B.S. in Finance/Economics from the University of South Carolina.
- Mary holds a degree in Music from Furman University.
Family
- Married to Mary for 48 years
- Three children, two grandsons
- Moved to Denton, Texas, in 1986
Career
- I retired this July after more than 40 years in the textile industry with Milliken & Company, serving in roles spanning manufacturing and sales. I was later transferred to North Texas in the commercial flooring industry. Over the years I held various positions but remained in commercial flooring for most of my career, retiring most recently from a Berkshire Hathaway company as a commercial flooring contractor.
- I like to say I did not retire from work—I retired to invest more time in my church, men’s ministry, and my roles as husband, father, and “Pop Pop.”
Church Service
- Leader of a Tuesday night men’s study
- Member of the Vineyard Life Group
- Deacon, Finance Committee, Church bus driver, and Connect Team volunteer
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Dr. Jeff Williams
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Darren Brown
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