SHEPHERDs

David (Dave) Bowman

Lead Shepherd

I was born in Chattanooga, Tenn. and have been married to Bettie for 53 years; we have two married sons and three wonderful grandchildren. I worked in the financial Services industry for over 35 years. We moved to Hilton Head Island from Roanoke, Va

Enjoys: Golf, Reading, Fishing, Exercising and watching our grandchildren’s sporting events whenever possible.

My Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jack Abernathy

Shepherd

My Real Name Jackie Abernathy, some may call me Jack. I was born and raised in Atlanta Ga and moved south of Atlanta when I was 11 and graduated from Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro Ga., Amy and I have been married 27 years and I had 3 children from previous marriage Jaqueline May(deceased), Jessica, and Steven and Amy has 2, Christopher and Stephanie. We have both lived in Hilton Head for 35+ years. I have been a member of Island Lutheran since 1988. I have worked for Hargray Communication for 38 years.

Fun Fact: I used to sing in the Choir at Island Lutheran Church and had my own Robe.

My Favorite Bible Verse: Numbers 6:24-26 NIV

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.

George Clawson

Shepherd

George D Clawson

Married to my sweet redhead for eight yrs. Masters Degree in Education, 20 yr Air Force career, 20 yrs with Honeywell Space & Defense, Cub & Scout Leader with church groups, Volunteer Counselor with Army Medical Unit in Far East. Member of ILC for 13 years

Enjoys: Reading books to children. A good laugh!

Fun Fact: I’ve been ILC’s comic relief (village idiot) for VBS for 13 years consecutively. I would like to graduate from that wonderful opportunity and pass it on to a younger protégé

My Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Bruce Dornseif

shepherd

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; raised in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Happily married to Brenda for 44 years. BS in Biology from Bucknell University; MS in Zoology/Marine Science from North Carolina State University; PhD in Biostatistics from Medical College of Virginia / VCU. 32-year career in the Pharmaceutical Industry specializing in the design, analysis, and reporting of clinical trials

Enjoys: Golf, fishing, following Arsenal in the English Premier League and Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga

Fun Fact: Was on CBS TV on the 16th Hole at Augusta National during the Final Round of the 1984 Masters Tournament

My Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 37:4

Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart

Roger Finn

Shepherd

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I received a BBA from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Wright State University. Jo-Anne and I have been married 45 years. We have four children from previous marriages, eleven Grand-Children and six Great Grand-Children. After 31 years in Oklahoma, we moved to Bluffton and Island Lutheran Church in 2013.

Enjoys: Golf, Following the Reds, Bengals and Bearcats, creative writing, Travel and playing board games with the Kids and Grand-Kids.

Fun Fact: Jo-Anne and I have been avid golfers with similar handicaps. She has 3 holes in one, I have zero.

My Favorite Bible Verse: Mark 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned

Jim Kerr

Shepherd

I have been married to Betty for almost 56 years. I graduated from Defiance College with a Business Degree in Business Management and Economics. College was completely night School.

Enjoys: I enjoy golf. I also enjoy doing SUDOKU, JUMBLE, and 7 LITTLE WORDS in the paper. I do our own landscaping work.

Fun Fact: I have been playing golf for almost 60 years and have 1 hole in one, which was accomplished on Hilton Head.

My Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life

Shuangxi Ren

Shepherd

I am from China. I got married to Xiaomei in 2012. We both graduated from Penn State. I got my Master’s degree of Computer Science and Engineering and Xiaomei got her Ph.D. degree of the same major. Then we both found a job at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. I work in the IT department and Xiaomei is a professor. We have three kids, one son and two daughters.

Fun Fact: My wife and I got married two years after graduating from the same college. The first time we met each other after our graduation was when we registered our marriage.

My Favorite Bible Verse: John 5:39-40

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

Billy Riggs

Shepherd

Happily Married to my wife of 31 years. I have two Master’s degrees. I worked as a: Consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice, Consultant for U.S. Department of State worldwide, Consultant for Fortune 200 Companies worldwide.

Enjoys: Life

Fun Fact: Sister 6 years older who passed away in April, Brother 6 years younger who is still with us. Son who is 6 years older than my daughter. Coincidence or fate?

My Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Jeff Stutz

Shepherd

Married to Carla since 1992. We have a daughter (Emily) born in 1995 and a son (Taylor) born in 1997. I’m a sales representative for a material handling equipment company. Carla and I moved to Hilton Head on February 14, 2020.

Enjoys: Fishing, reading, eating, collecting baseball cards, cooking.

Fun Fact:. It took me 13 years to complete my college undergraduate degree – feel free to ask me for details 🙂

My Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31

…but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

John Tignor

Shepherd

I was born in London, KY and grew up in Frankfort, KY. I received my Bachelor degree from the University of Kentucky, my Masters from East Texas State, and my Doctorate from Western Illinois University. My career was in education as a band director, principal and superintendent. Sandy and I have been married for 42 years. We have 3 children and 4 grandkids. Currently we reside in Sun City Hilton.

Enjoys: Being a grandpa, playing golf, working the garden, playing trumpet, being with family and friends.

Fun Fact: My best round of golf was an 8 birdie 67.

My Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and rely not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Greg Beste

Vice President / Inactive Shepherd

Personal Information: Born in St. Louis and met my wife at Lutheran High School South. Went to University of Kansas and became an Architect. Moved to the Hilton Head in 1986 and was a charter member of Island Lutheran Church. Raised three children with Cathy who all went to Clemson University becoming a Physical Therapist, an Actuary and a Structural Engineer. Cathy and I now have 6 grandkids. Since 1986 I have had my own architectural firm on the Island and designed many residences and buildings, including Island Lutheran Church. The last 15 years I have focused on being a Forensic Architect, looking at damaged buildings. Both my wife who is a Pharmacist and I have now officially retired.

Enjoys: Golf, wine, eating out, traveling and pickleball

Fun Fact: Avid Green Bay Packers fan, with a large Packer football card collection and memorabilia

Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

David Grandt

Church Administrator / Inactive Shepherd

I was born in Oak Park, Illinois and have been married to Laura for 50 years; we have two children (boy and girl) and three grandchildren. We moved to Hilton Head from The Hague, Netherlands.

I graduated from Carthage College, Kenosha, WI with a BA Biology and received my MBA from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

Enjoys: Boating, fishing, reading, ballroom dancing, walking on the beach with my dog Pippa, and spending quality time with my family.

Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Mike Hall

Endowments / Inactive Shepherd

I was born in Pontiac, Michigan, and am blessed with my wife, Chris. We have four children and six grandchildren. We moved to Hilton Head from Newtown, Pennsylvania. I graduated with a BS in Business Administration and received a Juris Doctor degree.

Enjoys: Golf, PickleBall, and travel

My Favorite Bible Verse: John 2:1-12

The Wedding at Cana

Neil Springer

Inactive Shepherd

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana attended Lutheran Schools then graduated from Indiana University. Went to work for International Harvester Company.

Met and married my wife Janet in Fort Wayne. We had 3 children Sheri, Kelly and Mark who we lost in 2022. We have 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

We have lived in Springfield, OH; Bridgeport, CT; Fort Wayne, IN and Naperville, IL before moving to Hilton Head Island in 1987. Janet and I live on the Island about 6 months and Naperville the remaining 6 months.

Enjoys: Dining with friends, entertaining grandchildren and reading

Bible Verse: Revelations 2:10b Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.