He graduated from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he worked at a funeral home and drove its ambulance to fund his education.
From 1958 to 1960, he served as secretary of information for the World Alliance of Reformed Churches in Geneva, Switzerland, reflecting his commitment to ecumenism.
He was elected Stated Clerk in 1973, a position he held until the 1983 reunion of the PCUS and the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
After the reunion, he was elected Stated Clerk of the newly unified Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a role he held until his retirement in 1996.
Clifton Kirkpatrick, described him as a mentor and visionary leader with a strong commitment to civil rights and ecumenical involvement.