Philip and Marnie met when they transferred to engineering school in Cookeville, TN. They were both working as Youth Interns for one of the churches there in town when they decided to start dating; they married in 1994. They have 3 children: Hope (Walker) Smith, who married Jarod Smith in 2019, Kristin (Walker) Lowe who married Bradley Lowe in 2023, and Sean, who married Hannah (Knight) Walker in 2023.

Philip started his career as a Chemical Engineer, but moved into Operations/Manufacturing Management after earning his MBA. He spent over 10 years as a Plant Manager in different manufacturing plants, and more recently started his own businesses. Marnie started as a Mechanical Engineer, working in the automotive industry. She now teaches Mathematics at Cabot High School and adjuncts at Harding University and ASU–Beebe. They both enjoy an active lifestyle via running, hiking, and pickleball.

Philip has served as an elder at Cloverdale since 2019.

Lesser-Known Facts

Philip earned his Black Belt in Judo when he was 19. Marnie and Hope personally met Muhammad Ali.

Mission Work

Philip and Marnie have been actively involved in the Foster Care system of White County for the last few years. They have had over a dozen foster care children in their home since 2014 and continue to support that ministry. They have been on short-term mission trips to Haiti and Dominican Republic.

Favorite Verses

Philip: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16.33)

Marnie: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3.5-6)