What's New with the Class of 63

Posted on: Feb 15, 2026 at 11:44 AM

With another BIG birthday on the horizon, I thought I would share a little about my wonderful life since graduating from Waggener in 1963. I graduated from UK, taught elementary school, married, divorced. Greatest achievement was raising my daughter and son by myself. Had several “careers” all leaning on my gift of organization. Retired at 58 after 13 years in the golf industry . . . still playing! Gave up my lovely home at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club for 26 wonderful years. Two years ago I made the wonderful decision to move into a Garden Home. Thought I would miss cutting ½ acre of grass but have learned to love watching someone else cut my yard!! Last year Shelley and Bryan orchestrated an incredible 80th birthday surprise . . . they rented a party bus full of family members, a delicious spread of food and a full bar. We drove around Louisville for several hours stopping at every home I ever lived in! There were eight stops! My favorite songs playing the whole time and lots of dancing and laughing! Shelley and Bryan gifted me with seven grandkids . . all whom I love with all my being. For twenty years I enjoyed a hobby of woodworking . . yep, wood working! Starting with making cradles for each baby I enjoyed doll houses and countless requests from the moms! My grand finale was a two years process of making a piece of cherry furniture for each grandchild which they will receive as a wedding gifts! Closed up the shop when I loved to my Garden Home . . but I miss it! The past 10+ years I have worked with clients, helping them digitize and preserve their family photos and stories. (Shelley has been doing this longer than I . . www.rescuringphotos.com. Another birthday next week . . . let’s see what they come up to celebrate 81!!
Diane, I love this — it’s joyful, proud, and full of LIFE! 💛
Here’s a polished, friendly version that keeps your personality shining through:
________________________________________
With another BIG birthday on the horizon, I thought I’d share a little about my wonderful life since graduating from Waggener in 1963.
After high school, I graduated from UK and began teaching elementary school. I married, later divorced, and my greatest achievement by far was raising my daughter and son on my own. That will always be my proudest accomplishment.
Over the years, I enjoyed several “careers,” all leaning on my natural gift for organization. I retired at 58 after 13 years in the golf industry — and yes, I’m still playing! I lived for 26 lovely years at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club before making the wonderful decision two years ago to move into a Garden Home. I thought I would miss cutting my half-acre of grass, but I’ve discovered I quite enjoy watching someone else do it!
Last year, Shelley and Bryan orchestrated the most incredible surprise for my 80th birthday. They rented a party bus filled with family, delicious food, and a full bar. We drove around Louisville for hours, stopping at every home I had ever lived in — eight stops in all! My favorite songs played the whole time, and there was plenty of dancing and laughter. It was unforgettable.
Shelley and Bryan have gifted me with seven beautiful grandchildren, all of whom I love with all my heart.
For twenty years, I enjoyed an unexpected hobby — woodworking! It began with making a cradle for each new baby and grew into dollhouses and countless special requests from moms. My grand finale was a two-year project creating a piece of cherry furniture for each grandchild, to be given as a wedding gift. When I moved to my Garden Home, I closed up my shop… and I do miss it.
For the past 10+ years, I’ve worked with clients helping them digitize and preserve their family photos and stories — something very dear to my heart. (Shelley has been doing this even longer!
And now, another birthday next week… I can’t wait to see what they come up with to celebrate 81! 🎉

Posted on: Jan 10, 2023 at 2:21 PM

I’m just glad I’m not as old as you. At least two weeks.

Happy birthday. I see it is April 5 th . My anniversary is the same day. Hope you have a wonderful day. Haven’t seen you at the chapel. Frank and I love it.

Posted on: Jan 28, 2022 at 3:40 PM

Happy birthday to you and your twin. Still flying?

Posted on: Jan 28, 2022 at 3:36 PM

What are the Ogles, twins or something? I always wondered why Tom looked different. Happy birthday to both of you.

Tom! Howard Long and I are planning on going to the next reunion. Hope to see you there! Lots of catching up to be done.

Posted on: Apr 18, 2021 at 10:41 AM

I lost my wife last month. Barb and I were married 52 years. I will miss her terribly.

Howard

Have now relocated to Rutherfordton, NC, and enjoying the best kept secret city in the world!

The one conversation with Sonny that stands out the most was his Christian testimony. Even as a teenager he had a strong faith in God. Sonny is in a good place. We should all strive to see him someday. 

Having the same last name, "Sonny" and I frequently sat next to each other in the classes which were seated alphabetically. He was an exceptional person and always a pleasure to be around.

I had thought many times about trying to contact him.  I will always be sorry I did not do it.   

Howard

Happy birthday Mick!

I am sorry to hear of his passing. I have thought about Jimmy many times over the years but not been in contact since we graduated. Jimmy was a good person with a good heart.

Howard

Hey Gene you must be more important than I thought. How did you manage to get Trump to declare a national holiday for your birthday? That’s amazing. Happy birthday, friend of mine.