Bro. Brian Dovey, assistant pastor of Clanton First United Methodist Church, had planned to retire in Florida before moving here last year.

“We really felt like it was a God thing,” he said of the events that led his family to Chilton County.

In Jacksonville, Dovey was stationed at Mayport Naval Station until his retirement in June 2008. He served 26 years in the Navy, attaining the rank of Command Master Chief — the highest possible rank of an enlisted officer.

But it was 20 years ago at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church in Pensacola when Dovey first crossed paths with Larry Anderson, whom he names as a major spiritual influence in his life.

While at Myrtle Grove, Dovey became involved in a small group and volunteered to assist with the youth group.

“I count a lot of my spiritual growth from that,” he said.

He eventually became interim youth pastor and moved on to numerous churches, each time adding to his education and progressively moving closer to the pulpit. This involved becoming a certified lay speaker.

Soon Dovey became convinced that he had a gift for ministry, and this was affirmed by people whom he respected.

Dovey became assistant pastor at Clanton FUMC on July 1, 2008. He will complete his education at Asbury Theological Seminary.

He and his wife, Linda, live in Clanton and have two daughters, Renee and Elizabeth.

“We enjoy living here in Clanton,” Dovey said. “We were made welcome by the church and the community.”