I was born 2 June, 1949 in Baltimore City, Maryland, USA, the only child of Reverdy Lewin Orrell, Jr. and Jean Catherine Malle.  I attended public school and graduated from Baltimore City College High School in 1967, later graduating from the University of Maryland Baltimore County Campus (UMBC) with a B.A. degree in Social Work and Sociology.  Later I briefly studied Criminal Justice in the Master's program at the University of Baltimore.

From 1970 to 1976 I was actively involved with playing the game of chess.  I participated in many tournaments for various chess correspondence organizations.  My favorite was the Knights of the Square Table (NOST) where I learned several chess variation games and served as their Chess Variants and Non Chess Games Tournament Director.  During that time I became interested in chess problems.  For several years I wrote an article for their publication entitled 'Reb's Retazos.'  Retazos is a Spanish word meaning 'odds and ends.'  The focus was on 'odd end games' for various chess variants.

It was during this period I became exposed to chess problems.  The NOST played a chess variant game called Scottish Chess (also known as Progressive Chess).  One of the editors published some 'Scottish Chess' Endgames.  I was hooked.  Bill Rawlings then suggested I take a look at some series-movers, since they were so closely related to Scottish Chess. 

My goal is to someday compose a problem worthy of publication.  Many composers have provided many hours of pleasure (and frustration) for me over the years.  I'd like to return the favor.  Until then I'll continue to collect the works of others and intend to publish a book (or series of books) on Series-Movers.