Lone Star Root Directory

Mike Stokley is proud to own a little piece of Texas.

Mike’s roots in the Lone Star State run deep. His great-grandparents moved to Diana from Winnsboro in 1908, purchasing 50 acres of rolling hills, pastures, wooded areas, and a creek that still winds across the land today. Decades later, in the 1980s, Mike and his father added 43 acres, bringing the property to nearly 100 acres that continue to connect his family across four generations.

For Mike, the land is more than soil and trees. It’s a living reminder of the hard work of those who came before him.

“While out working on the property, I often think of the generations before me that have worked this land,” he says. “I feel like this land connects me to my family.”

That sense of connection, of belonging, is what makes him proud to call a little corner of Texas his own.
Just as no file exists without a root directory, no Texan exists without roots of their own. Texans carry a special pride in calling this place home – and this does not come without a few tall tales and wild adventures. Some come from a lineage of true cowboys, whose families have worked the land for generations. Others speak about relatives who jumped on a train from Memphis, Tenn., on a whim, chasing opportunity and finding their new roots here. Others ventured this way from the West Coast in more recent years and have no intention of leaving anytime soon.

No matter how the journey began, one truth remains: Texas has a way of shaping those who live here. It builds resilience, sparks ambition, and creates a bond with the land and with one another. At Datamax, that same spirit shines through in the way our people work, lead, and connect with coworkers and customers alike.

Josh Sims

Tyler Office

My granddad on my dad's side was a true cowboy. I remember watching him break broncs as a kid. We grew up in a small town and still there today. My family goes back 4 generations in that town. Most people there either know me or know a family member. My kids get a little tired of it that just by they way they look, everyone knows who they belong too! That feel of security and to know that everyone around is looking out for you (or at least looking, some might not have the best interests, lol) is a solid feeling. One that i appreciate.

Lisa Seale

Sulphur Springs Office

I know my Texas roots run deep!! My paternal great-great great grandfather came from South Carolina to Ridgeway, Texas in 1900's and started over and began a new life. He bought a lot of land and set up to what was a new chapter and a new town.

He worked in the fields and built their new home and the few people that were there started a cotton gin and two small churches and eventually, a school. He was well loved and as time passed he donated part of his land for the new school in the 1940's

He married and had five children and many grandchildren and great of course. My Dad remembers him vaguely but according to family and locals he was such a great man. My maternal great-great- great grandmother came from Oklahoma territory and married my great- great-great grandfather who originated from Purley, Texas near Sulphur Springs and Mt. Vernon, Texas area. She was a native American: Dovie was her name and was loved and respected.

According to past down stories, she made her own tinctures and could heal almost anything. Our entire family both sides are Texas rooted and proud of it.

Kelly Hunley

Tyler Office

As the story goes, my great grandfather and one of his three sons (my grandfather) jumped on a train from Memphis, Tenn. and came to Texas.

My grandfather established a nice life right here in Bullard, TX (near Tyler). He had a 300 acre spread where he raised cattle right here in East Texas. It was near Lake Palestine, so we'd go fishing there all the time growing up. My grandfather only had one public job in his entire life, and didn't work there very long. It wasn't for him.

The main thing that's kept me here in East Texas is the strong family values, people that know what's right and wrong. If you need help, they'll help you. You're talking about good, genuine, honest people.

Devin Lee

Tyler Office

My wife's family is from Tyler, TX, and I'm originally from California. We happened to meet in Mississippi. When my wife was pregnant with our first child, she knew she wanted him to be born in Texas, so that's what we did for both of our children. Eventually, we made our way to Texas permanently.

We love it here, and our kids do, too. We consider ourselves proud Texans and never have any intention of leaving this place.

Jeff Flory

Dallas/Fort Worth Office

I wasn’t born in Texas…but I got here as soon as I could. I was born in Ohio and spent my first thirty years in Wooster, Canton and Columbus.

My parents moved to Coppell, Texas in September of 1990, and I moved here in May of 1991. Just a few years later I meet the girl of my dreams. One year later, we were married. So obviously moving to Texas was a good move. I became Catholic in 1994, when my fiancé and I decided to make St Ann Parish in Coppell, Texas our Parish. I quickly became involved with the Knights of Columbus and have been very active for the last twenty five years.

SO... I can say without regret Texas has been very good to me!

Lone Star Root Directory.

Mike Stokley is proud to own a little piece of Texas.

Josh Sims

Lisa Seale

Kelly Hunley

Devin Lee

Jeff Flory

Lisa Seale

“My paternal great-great great grandfather came from South Carolina to Ridgeway, Texas in 1900's and started over and began a new life. He bought a lot of land and set up to what was a new chapter and a new town."