Chris was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri and came to Texas as a high school sophomore. He played football and baseball while also participating in the choir and the band. Chris has a BA in History from the University of Texas at Arlington. His past work experience includes carpentry, mechanic, sales, customer service, and restaurant management. He has served as an elder in his church working with the youth and children's ministries. He has been an adult volunteer with Boy Scouts, coached little league baseball for his son and grandson, and umpired adult baseball, In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, reading biographies, bicycling, swimming, and golf.