Born Willis Rexford (Rex) Old on February 17, 1923, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Rex's parents Elzie Francis (Frank) and Clara Bertha (Coonce) Old moved the family to Los Angeles, California in 1939. Rex went to Los Angeles Polytechnic High School, where he met and eventually married wife Violet Mae Clark. Rex and Mae moved their family to the Wrigley area of Long Beach, CA in 1947. Early in 1950, Rex and Mae learned to Square Dance at the local Elementary school and by 1956 he was calling for both children and adults.

Rex began by calling for a children's beginner group in San Pedro in 1956 that included three of his four children. His fourth child began dancing about three years later. He left the children's group and called for a pre-teen at Houghton Park in Long Beach along with a teen group in Paramount and later a teen group at the Poly Hutch in Long Beach. This he did for his children, always having a pre-teen or teen group while they were growing and all four fully enjoyed it. The last club/class he had for kids/teens was in 1967.

Rex also had adult classes in beginning and/or intermediate. Rex was an excellent teacher with an easy manner; he was well liked as both teacher and caller for several clubs including the Space Whirlers, Stardusters and Avalon Mixers; he was a "guest" caller at numerous clubs and called at most conventions, Toys for Tots and other special dances at the Long Beach Convention Center and Arena, as well as San Diego, Rolling Hills (kids/teens hoedowns) and others in the So. Cal. area. He recorded square dance records on the Silver Spur label.

Rex taught and called in the Southern California area until about 1970. He moved to Yucca Valley, CA after his retirement. Rex died October 14, 1999.