Rezell Linen is a native of Georgetown, South Carolina, a graduate of Winyah High School. He attended Claflin University, and majored in biology with a minor in chemistry. Upon graduating from college he was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant, as a Air Defense Officer. He has had numerous assignments and retired as a Major with 18.5 years of active duty. He has a Masters in Human Resource Management from Webster University.