On March 2, 1979, we moved about a mile away into Midfields Subdivision. Almost immediately after moving, Poochie (Joan) had a change of heart and we began to date. They had moved about a mile away in the opposite direction, so we lived about two miles apart. I guess she just didn't like the idea of dating her next door neighbor.
There was a job opening at what was then known as the Kingsport Press (currently known as Qubector). I applied for the job and was hired, pending passing a physical examination. I failed the physical due to X-rays showing that I had a bad back (from being struck by that car when I was eight years old). I was very disappointed. Was I doomed to wash dishes for the rest of my life? My Dad suggested that I check into obtaining financial aid for furthering my education through the Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation Program. I was sent to several doctors for their evaluation to see if I qualified for their program. I did qualify and enrolled to begin classes in January of 1980. I had decided to major in Drafting Design (producing mechanical drawings used in the manufacturing industry).
I got my first drafting job in August of 1981, just a month before graduation. It was only temporary, but I was very glad to actually get a job drawing. It was so much better than washing dishes! It paid $5.00/hr. which was a big deal for me since I had been washing dishes for $3.10/hr just prior to getting the drafting job. I still have the very first drawing I did for which I actually was paid. It was an air logic schematic that took me 10 hours to produce.
One day I was told my assignment was complete and my services were no longer required. That same day I received a phone call from a company looking for a Draftsman. The company had called the school, and they have given them my name. I was hired immediately. In early November of 1981 began working as a Draftsman for Columbus Electric Manufacturing Company in Piney Flats, Tennessee.
My Aunt, Betty Light, who was a realtor for "Earl Light Real estate" approached me about buying a home through the Farmers Home Administration program. The deal is that you get a new home and 
the payments are based on your income. The government pays a portion of your payment based on your income. I signed on and in April of 1982 moved into a new 1,00 sq. ft. home in Bloomingdale (a community of Kingsport, Tennessee). My house payments were $126.00/mo. The only draw back was that if you moved or wanted to sell the house before the 33 year term of the loan was up, you had to pay back all the subsidy you had received up to that point which can really add up fast!
Joan and I were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1982. We were a happy couple and though we started with very little, those early days were a lot of fun and hold precious memories as we struggled. Joan worked at nights for her brother, Roger who had a contract to clean several area Burger Kings. She also held some temporary positions at various places before landing a permanent job as a house keeper for the Holiday Inn on Lynn Garden Drive in Kingsport.
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ight House