I was born and reared in the Bug Hill section of Columbus County, the oldest son of U.G. and Virginia (Cricket) Gore. I have a younger brother, Phil. My bother and his family still live near my mom on the farm where I grew up.We lived on that farm as sharecroppers for a wonderful widow I called “Aunt Clemmie.” When she passed, she left the place to my Dad, just as she had promised. She helped teach me the values of keeping your word and commitment. That farm is also where my work ethic was developed. I began working in tobacco before I started first grade and learned the value of giving an honest day’s work for a day’s pay. One of my Dad’s proudest moments was when I was sworn in as District Attorney in 1991.

I am married to my childhood sweetheart, Janice. We are graduates of Nakina High School. We are both graduates of N.C. State University. I was the first college graduate in my extended family. In 1979, after law school, we moved to Shallotte with our daughter Felicia. Janice and I still live in the house where Felicia grew up. Janice has taught at Shallotte Middle School twenty nine years.  I am proud of what she has contributed to the lives of so many young people (now adults) in our community.

My daughter was an attorney with the State’s Attorney General Office until 1999 when she became a full-time mom. Janice and I are blessed with three beautiful triplet granddaughters—Hannah, Faith, and Emily. They are the joy of our lives. Felicia and husband Chris live in Raleigh with our girls.

Janice and I have been members of Calvary Baptist Church in Shallotte since 1979. We have both taught classes through the years and participated on various committees and programs. We sing in the choir and with a small ensemble, the Calvary Singers. I serve as a Deacon and as a chair of the Board of Directors.  I try to carry the values I have learned during a lifetime of worship with me every day.

Before attending law school, I worked in the sports department of The News and Observer in Raleigh. I was in the charter class (1979) of the law school at Campbell University. I served as managing editor of the Law Review.Three of us from that class serve as elected District Attorneys in North Carolina and many others as judges at all levels. Prior to being elected District Attorney, I was in private practice. I enjoyed the financial rewards of private practice, but nothing compares to the feeling of accomplishment I get as District Attorney. My grandmother always preached the value of public service. My experiences as your district attorney confirm for me her teaching.

I believe the development of my work ethic at an early age, my spiritual maturity, and my experiences as a husband and parent are important in defining who I am. As valuable as my many years and experience as a prosecutor are, they are only a part of what makes me a good District Attorney. Because I share the values, the hopes, and dreams of the folks in my community, I remain committed zealously to seek justice in the courts of our district.