Born and raised in Newport News and a resident of Gloucester Point for the past nine years, Gary Mangrum brought his love of cooking with him. Friends, neighbors and family on this side of the river benefit from his generosity.

“I believe I was around 11 years old when I started cooking full meals. My mom went to work so someone had to help. She took me in the kitchen and taught me how to cook. She was a good cook. My sister has never liked to cook even today so it was all left up to me. I would come home from school and start cooking for the family. Dad would take me to the grocery store but always left it up to me to buy the groceries.

“Today I still just cook and season by taste which is very much how my mother cooked. I don’t use any recipes except when making cakes and pies. I enjoy cooking and always have. Baking is really my favorite method, especially making cakes from scratch. I have just always loved cooking. My wife says I come ready made.”

Even th...