Elders

 

Don Bowen has served as an elder at Riverchase since 1991 after serving as deacon since 1980. He and his wife, Joyce, were part of the original group that came from the Central Church of Christ and started the Riverchase Church of Christ in November of 1979. Don graduated from David Lipscomb University in 1971 with a degree in chemistry and is now retired from the UAB Department of Pathology. Don and Joyce have three sons, three daughter-in-laws and six grandchildren, all living in Nashville.

 

Adam Creel has served as a Deacon at Riverchase since 2005. During that time, his primary responsibility has been working with the small group ministry. He and his wife Alisa, along with their twin daughters, began attending Riverchase in 1998 when they first relocated to the Birmingham area from Montgomery. Adam graduated from Troy State University in 1987 with a B.S. in Computer Information Science and Accounting. He then went on to receive his MBA from Auburn University in Montgomery in 1997. Adam currently serves as the Director of Technical Services for the Drummond Company. Adam and Alisa met in high school where they became best friends and have remained so since that time. Alisa is a math teacher at Pelham High School. Adam and Alisa’s daughters, Carol and Crystal, are both married. In his spare time Adam enjoys flying.

 

David Driskell and his wife Mary and their two children began attending Riverchase in 2009. David attended Harding university with a degree in computer information systems and also has an MBA from Samford university. David currently serves as an IT Director at AT&T. Their two children are both married. David enjoys woodworking and water sports.

 

Ron Jackson has served as an elder since 2000 after serving as a deacon for several years. Ron and his wife; Peggy, have been attending Riverchase since 1981.

Ron is a graduate of Alabama Christian (currently known as Faulkner University) – A.A., Harding University – B_A., Abilene Christian University – M.A., and the University of Alabama – J.D. He has served as a District Judge in Shelby County since 1991 Ron and Peggy grew up within 20 miles of each other, but didn’t start dating until they were at Abilene Christian. They were married in 1971 and have one son; Alan, two daughters; Amy married to Ray and Anna married to Jim. Peggy is now a retired school teacher. In his spare time, Ron enjoys gardening, reading – and all sports.

 

Bryan Parker began serving as an elder in 2022 after serving as a deacon for several years prior. He and his wife Pat, along with their children Bryan Lee and Bethany, began attending Riverchase in 1998. Bryan graduated from Ferris State University in 1979. Bryan currently owns a CPA firm in Pelham. Pat is his administrative assistant. Bryan and Pat’s children along with their spouses and children live in the Birmingham area and, also attend Riverchase. Bryan enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, vegetable gardening, participating in sports, exercising and hunting.

 

Dewayne Spivey is our pulpit minister. He began working with our congregation in the fall of 1999. Dewayne was born in Moulton, AL and graduated from Austin High School in Decatur. He began preaching as a teenager at the Memorial Drive congregation (now known as Beltline) in Decatur. He attended Freed-Hardeman College and graduated from David Lipscomb in 1972, majoring in Bible. He has served congregations in Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Alabama.

Dewayne’s first wife, Cathy, passed away in 2009. He is now married to Jane, a graduate of Faulkner and Auburn University of Montgomery. They have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren.

 

Keith Strickland and his wife Donna have been attending Riverchase since 2002. Prior to becoming an elder, Keith served several years as a Children’s Deacon and then a Youth Deacon. Keith attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He currently works as a consulting engineer with Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC. Keith and Donna have two daughters, Keely and Erica.

 
Frank and Pam Wampol placed membership at Riverchase in 2002. They previously worshiped at the Center Point and Roebuck Parkway congregations in Alabama where Frank served as a deacon for 12 years. Frank was baptized into the Lord’s church in 1987. He regularly teaches Bible classes and has a passion for mission work having participated in many mission campaigns. Frank and Pam were married in 1983, they have three daughters. All three daughters are married. Frank and Pam have several grandchildren.

 

Nathan and Michelle Whitaker have been members of the Riverchase family since 2004. They have been married for 33 years and have three children: Lauren, Lillian and Luke. Lauren and her husband, Kendrick, live in Montgomery and have one daughter, Brooklyn. Lillian and her husband, Chris, live in Gardendale. Their son Luke lives near Jasper. Nathan has served as a deacon in our Education Department for 14 years. He has been employed at the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 28 years. In their spare time, Nathan and Michelle enjoy glamping.