Born on a late summer day in 1955 in Easton, Maryland, Rory Carey entered a world shaped by the transient rhythms of sharecropping. His parents, Dowdell and Bennie Mae Carey, worked tirelessly to provide, embodying perseverance that would define his own path. His childhood unfolded in Florida, moving from Tallahassee to Orlando and eventually to Pahokee, where life’s challenges honed his character. “Trouble don’t last always,” his mother would say, and Rory would come to embody this steadfast optimism.

Rory’s earliest memories are punctuated by the warmth of Gospel melodies sung by his mother as she worked around the house. That music, a testament to faith and joy amid struggle, planted seeds of devotion that would guide him for a lifetime. Decades later, he would hear those same sweet sounds from his wife, Linda, a constant reminder of the blessings woven into his life.

At just 16, Rory held Linda’s hand after a prayer meeting—a simple act that would bloom into a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they would raise four children—Jason, Janice, James, and Jonathan—rooted in faith and fortified by family values. It was Linda who mirrored his mother’s strength, resilience, and grace, becoming a source of inspiration as he pursued his calling.

From the seventh grade onward, Fort Lauderdale became Rory’s home base for education, family, and spiritual growth. There, he embraced various roles within the church, from Sunday School teacher to Associate Pastor, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the faith community. These roles became the foundation for his later work as a pastor, community leader, and advocate for unity.

In 2004, Rory received a divine directive to establish a church in Daytona Beach. With no contacts or guidance, he relied on faith and prayer, driving the city’s streets daily. One morning, a chance encounter with Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden set the stage for the Daytona Christian Center’s inception. Her belief in Rory opened doors that turned his vision into a reality, affirming the power of divine timing and perseverance.