DeKalb County is welcoming one of its newest residents after Duck Dynasty star Tim Guraedy announced he was moving to Eagle Creek. Guraedy is best known for the A&E show Duck Dynasty, where he was featured as the slow-talking air conditioner repairman/radio show host known as “Mountain Man.”

Guraedy was a neighbor to the family featured on the show, the Robertsons, who made its fortune selling duck calls in Louisiana. Mountain Man is the only semi-regular cast member who is not a Robertson family member or employee of Duck Commander, the Robertson’s company.

“That show was a blessing to me, and a blessing to all of us,” Guraedy told the Smithville Review during an interview. “We all called that show a blessing from God.”

He said he decided to move to Tennessee after his parents passed away, to be closer to his son, who lives in Lebanon. While Guraedy might be best known for his antics in Monroe, LA, he is no stranger to Tennessee having lived a good portion of his life in Portland, TN. Born in Louisiana, Guraedy moved to Minnesota when he was young, then Tennessee when he was nine, where he would graduate high school.

“I kind of call that home in a way,” Guraedy said. He said that town hasn’t forgot about him either. “They found out that was my hometown, and made me grand marshal of the Strawberry Festival. I said to myself, ‘What am I doing here? How did I wind up like this?’”

When asked why he decided to move to DeKalb County, he explained that it was because of his son. “This was a place as close as I could get to him, and I really like the area here. I love to fish and hunt and I’ll be on Center Hill Lake fishing.”

Known for his Christian faith, Guraedy was invited to the monthly meeting of the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen last week to offer the opening prayer. “Life’s not easy, but I have God in my life and it’s so much better. So much better,” he has said.

Afterwards he said he got a tour of City Hall and also met with the Police Chief Mark Collins, who showed off his prize bear he has on display in his office. “He’s got a big ole bear in his office. I love hunting and fishing. Man, things are really happening fast around here.”

Guraedy said he is currently working on his home, buying furniture, and looks forward to making DeKalb County his new home.