Gene Key

Gene Key was born on September 14, 1944, in Leonard, Texas. When he was just three months old, his father began working at the Robin Hood Flour Mill in Greenville, and the family relocated there. Raised in a Christian home, Gene’s mother was active in church even before his father became a believer. When Gene was about five years old, his father came to Christ and later served as a lay preacher.

Gene accepted Christ in April 1953 at the age of nine while attending Washington Street Baptist Church. Though young, he knew he was a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness and trusted in Jesus for salvation. His testimony is that God’s grace kept him from a life of destructive vices such as drugs and alcohol.

Sensing God’s call to ministry at the age of 12, Gene preached his first sermon soon afterward and continued preaching in most of the churches in the Hunt Baptist Association before turning 18. During high school, he led Youth-Led Revivals and at age 19 began pastoring his first church, serving in pastoral roles until 1975.

Gene graduated from Dallas Baptist College and completed graduate studies at Baylor University. He earned a Master of Religious Education and later, in 1980, a Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education. From 1975 onward, his ministry focused on Christian Education, serving as Education and Outreach Director in several Dallas-area churches. He retired from First Baptist Church Oak Cliff in 2006, having also led Capital Stewardship Campaigns during the 1980s.

Gene married Gloria Neeley of Caddo Mills, Texas, on August 17, 1969. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. Gloria’s career in education included earning her undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University–Commerce, graduate work at Baylor University, and a doctorate in education from Dallas Baptist University. She retired in 2014 as the Regional Director of Special Education for TEA Region 10.

Brian Kinnard

Brian Kinnard grew up in Garland, Tx. His family was actively involved in First Baptist Church Garland, and he was there every time the door was open. Brian accepted Christ into his life at the age of seven. He remembers sitting with his father one day after church and discussing what it meant to give his life to Christ. At that moment, he asked for forgiveness and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Brian attended Stephen F. Austin State University, completing a degree in Computer Science. While at SFA, he went on various mission trips and served on various Baptist Student Ministry leadership teams. This is where Brian learned to humbly serve others. He met Carla while attending SFA. They have been married for 30 years. Having lived in Greenville since the day of the wedding, they both have a heart for ministry. Brian and Carla have three children (Matthew, Meredith, and Mason) and feel blessed to see them serve the church.

Brian was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church Greenville on September 27, 1998. On Palm Sunday in 2022, Brian and Carla joined Vansickle and have been faithful members since. Brian has been a substitute Sunday School teacher for adults and youth, working with the media team, youth camp sponsor, Backyard Kids Club volunteer, and is an active deacon serving the last two years as Secretary.

 

Craig Nichols

Craig Nichols was born and raised in Pampa, Texas, where he met his wife, Melissa, through their high school band. In 1982, Craig moved to the DFW area to attend North Texas State University (now UNT), where he majored in Computer Science and Physics. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he was hired by E-Systems in Greenville in 1987. Melissa also attended UNT, graduating in 1989, and the two were married in 1990. Their daughter, Meagan, was born in 1994.

After Meagan’s birth, Craig transitioned into the telecom industry, working for several Plano-based companies during the technology boom of the 1990s. During that season, he earned a master’s degree in Computer Science, and the family attended First Baptist Church in Wylie. In 2005, Craig returned to Greenville to work with L-3 Communications (now L3Harris), and in 2008, the family relocated back to the Greenville area. In 2011, Craig completed a second master’s degree in Systems Engineering. Meagan graduated from Greenville Christian School and later attended UNT, following in her parents’ footsteps. She married Ryan Moeder, and together they have two children, Oliver and Hazel. Craig and Melissa joyfully celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in August 2025.

Craig is an active ham radio operator and volunteers with the Hunt County Storm Spotters and community events such as the Cotton Patch Challenge Bike Rally. He has also supported veteran-focused programs including Wreaths Across America and Patriot Paws.

Craig came to Christ through his own investigative journey. As a child, he often sat in on Bible studies his mother hosted with Jehovah’s Witnesses. His study of Scripture revealed the differences between their translation and the King James Bible, leading him to question their beliefs. In junior high, a friend invited him to First Baptist Church in Pampa, where he later trusted Christ as his Savior.

Over the years, Craig and Melissa have faithfully served in their churches, participating in visitation, greeter, and technology ministries. After joining Vansickle Baptist Church in 2022, Craig has served on the Safety Team, helped with Backyard Kids’ Club, and supported youth events—including his favorite, the Youth Dessert Auction. He currently serves as Project Manager for the Project Team and the Faithfully Forward campaign. Meagan and Ryan serve as youth teachers, and Craig and Melissa are grateful to see their grandchildren growing up at Vansickle while also watching the next generation of their family impact the church through ministry.