Retired President & CEO, Gypsum Management & Supply
Tim Ayres
Partner, Moore Colson & Co.
Lynn Chastain
Retired Senior VP & General Counsel, Chick-fil-A
Blair Cunningham
Partner, SignatureFD
Brett Fowler
Executive VP - Employee Benefits, Turner, Wood & Smith
Tom Fuller
Retired EVP, CFO, Guided by Good
Lindsay Hill
Senior VP of Human Resources, Georgia Power Company
Roy Jones
Partner, Seven Hills Strategies, LLC
Khara Julien
Chief Human Resources Officer, Specialty Building Products
Mart Martin
Facilitator and Author, Attentional Living
Michael Mohr
Partner & Managing Director, Cresset Capital Management
Lynn Price
Owner, Highpointe Properties
Dee Ann Turner
Founder and CEO,
Dee Ann Turner & Associates
John Vardeman
President, Morton, Vardeman & Carlson
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Courtney Amos
Greg Beadles
Carol Burrell
Dan Cathy
Elizabeth Harris
Dr. Tim Irwin
Glen Jackson
Earl Leonard
David Ratcliffe
Wendell Starke
John Wieland
Philip Wilheit
Jenner Wood
IN MEMORIAM
Vince Dooley
Sonny Ellis
Loyd Strickland
Jim Webb
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
John H. Shackelford
FOUNDER
Edwin J. Staub
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS
When I think of Christmas, I can’t help but think of the greatest miracle: Jesus coming to earth in the form of a helpless little baby in a barn. Our King certainly chose humble beginnings on His way to ultimate glory in His rescue plan for us.
It is on this foundation that we do everything at Eagle Ranch and we continue to see miracles in the lives of hurting children and families.
In this newsletter, we’ve honored an incredible man who served a key role in the story of the Ranch’s founding: Loyd Strickland. God used Loyd to provide an early source of major encouragement to our founder, Eddie Staub. In the midst of Eddie’s fears of Eagle Ranch not coming to life after months of struggle, Loyd called Eddie unprompted and made the first donation to what would eventually become “The Miracle on Chestnut Mountain: Eagle Ranch.”
As you gather with friends and family this Christmas season, I hope you experience and savor the gift of God’s miracle in a fresh way. At a time when essentially no one was expecting Him, Jesus came. He came to restore the world and inaugurate an everlasting Kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness.
Be encouraged. In a world filled with darkness, miracle work is happening. We get to see glimpses of it here everyday. It’s not flashy, it’s not easy to see, but it’s true and happening nonetheless.
Merry Christmas, my friends,
John H. Shackelford Eagle Ranch Executive Director
Welcome TO GREG BEADLES AND CAROL BURRELL
THE HARDEST JOB YOU'LL EVER LOVE
HOUSEPARENTING
BEING A HOUSEPARENT IS A CHANCE TO GET OUTSIDE OF OURSELVES AND WITNESS GOD’S HEALING IN FAMILIES.
Houseparenting is a mission-oriented opportunity for married couples who desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. To learn more about the position and the Eagle Ranch community, scan the QR code.
MIKE & KIM FLORY
MEANS TO US W H A T CHRISTMAS
BOYS AND GIRLS AT EAGLE RANCH SCHOOL WERE ASKED TO SHARE THEIR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS. HERE ARE A FEW OF THEIR STORIES.
JADE
My favorite family tradition is watching my mom’s childhood VHS tapes every Christmas. Every year before we start the tapes, we make homemade Christmas snacks and hot chocolate. My aunt and uncle also help me and my sister decorate cookies. Once we are done in the kitchen, we all gather on the couch and start the tapes. My mom and aunt love recording special moments from the tapes and posting them to let our family in Los Angeles know we are remembering old times. I love seeing how my family used to act as kids, and it makes me happy seeing everyone laugh and enjoy time together.
SAM
A Christmas tradition, that's been a thing as long as I can remember, is the most important one. As a family, we read the Bible on the day we celebrate Christmas with my dad’s side of the family. My grandpa always reads the Bible every year when we gather for Christmas at his house. It’s a time for us to remember what’s really important and why we’re gathered together to celebrate. I also think it’s good, because that side of the family isn’t really religious. When we read the Bible, it’s nice to sit together when nobody’s fighting and remember why we’re here. I think that people forget the reason behind Christmas and Who it’s about.
JOEL
My favorite family tradition is watching Christmas-related films on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We watch Home Alone 1–3, Elf, the live-action Grinch, and The Christmas Carol. We’ve done it since I was a kid, and we always try to keep the streak alive. Watching those movies brings back so many memories and makes us laugh. I love this tradition because it brings my family together every year.
AUSTIN
Every Christmas, my parents hide this pickle ornament somewhere in our Christmas tree and me and my brother compete to find it for a prize. My family has been doing this for as long as I can remember, and my parents told me that this is a thing that has been passed down from somewhere on my mom’s side of the family's history. I also play this game if I happen to go to my grandparents’ house during Christmas time. My brother and I race to find it, and it’s something fun we do every year. It always makes Christmas morning even more exciting.
NICOLE
A holiday tradition I have is helping my dad with the Christmas lights on my house. My dad and I do some icicle lights around the front porch and garage. It can be annoying sometimes because some of the strings of lights are old or don’t work, but that just adds to the fun. My dad teaches me a bit about how engineering works. It is also a great bonding experience with him. We have good conversations about what I’m interested in as we place the lights on their hooks.
KE’IRI
A tradition that my family and I have is singing Christmas carols to people. When I was younger, I used to play Christmas songs on the piano and serve hot chocolate to people at a nursing home every year. They would always give me good advice and love spending time with me. I love caroling because I love singing. I love making people happy and seeing their smiles. Some people do not get the opportunity to be around friends and family for Christmas, so when I carol, I always want to make them feel extra special and loved.
ANDERSON
Every Christmas we buy a big puzzle and try to finish it before December 25th. We all work together on it throughout the month. It’s usually a 1,000-piece puzzle, and we spend a lot of time laughing and talking while we work. It’s a fun way to have quality time together during the holidays.
HONORING OUR HISTORY
In 2025, Eagle Ranch is celebrating 40 years of serving children and families. To honor our history, we are sharing the stories of those who helped the dream of Eagle Ranch become a reality.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF
LOYD STRICKLAND
REFLECTIONS
BY EDDIE STAUB
Loyd Strickland was known in the North Georgia community as both a prominent and generous businessman. A peer of Mr. Strickland’s who had an impoverished, difficult childhood later in life accumulated significant wealth. This person told me he once challenged Mr. Strickland about why he was giving all his money away, and Loyd shared with him about the joy he found in giving back. At the time, our friend told me he just couldn’t grasp that concept. However, toward the end of his life, he too became very generous and understood for himself that joy.
During his lifetime, Loyd Strickland’s influence on his community and the mission of Eagle Ranch and many other organizations truly made a difference. His spirit of kindness and generosity helped shape Eagle Ranch in those formative years.
On a fall day in 1982, I had a disappointing meeting with an individual who commented that I was just a dreamer and should consider abandoning my plans for Eagle Ranch. After leaving his office, I backed my car into a telephone pole crushing the back end. Adding to my discouragement was the $50 balance in my bank account and the fact that my short-term, no-cost housing arrangement in Powder Springs was ending the next week.
That evening, I had a very blunt conversation with God that went something like this: “God, if you want me to continue doing this, you have to show me something because I can’t go on. I have one week, and I’m headed back home to Alabama. It’s over.”
I was almost ready to give up on my dream of starting Eagle Ranch.
Ironically, the very next morning, I got a call at 8:14. It was Loyd Strickland. I had met Mr. Strickland once at his office in Chestnut Mountain; we had a cordial visit, but I didn’t ask him for any financial support, nor did I give him my contact information. Somehow, he was able to track me down.
“Eddie, what are you doing?” Loyd asked. I told him that I had been praying, to which he replied:
“SON,
GET OFF YOUR KNEES. MY FOUNDATION IS GOING TO HELP YOU, AND SOME OTHERS WANT TO HELP YOU TOO. YOU NEED TO GET BACK UP HERE TO GAINESVILLE AND GET STARTED.”
In many ways, that 8:14 a.m. phone call breathed life into a vision that seemed hopeless. Several days later, I packed up my car and headed to Gainesville, and began to share my renewed Eagle Ranch dream.
Throughout the years, Mr. Strickland was a wise and valued mentor who kept me focused when there were so many things clamoring for my attention. As a highly respected businessman, he gave me and Eagle Ranch much-needed credibility in North Georgia, as he rallied others to the Ranch mission.
Mr. Strickland was also a visionary. I ran across a notecard he sent me on September 16, 1991, predicting that one day we would expand to incorporate a girls’ program (which began in 2000), and that we would eventually become a place of influence and training to help others (Wings Consulting began in 1996).
There were so many special people in the Hall County community who embraced me and my desire to start Eagle Ranch back in those “early days.” I will forever be indebted to Loyd Strickland, who led the way.
Thank You for Your Gifts
On these pages, each name you read represents a gift that is going directly to help children and families find hope and healing. Making an honor or memorial gift is a meaningful way to honor a friend or loved one. We promptly mail out a beautiful, personalized acknowledgment card and information about our ministry to your recipient of choice. GIVING IS EASY. Call our office at 770.967.8500, visit EagleRanch.org/give, or mail your gift to PO Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, Georgia 30502.
HONOR GIFTS
Contributions to the Eagle Ranch Honor Program are listed in alphabetical order by the name of the honoree. Donors are listed after the name of the person in whose honor they contributed (donations received July 1 – September 30, 2025).
(*Honor Birthday Gifts)
DR. SHAYLA AMIS, DVM
Duane & Patricia Nesbitt
GEORGE ARTMAN
The McKays
KELLY BREWER*
Amy McCollum
MIKE & JAN CALLAHAN
Sheila & Michael Mohr
BUBBA & CINDY CATHY
Riley & Yvonne Green
CHARLIE CRONIN
Deecy & Paul Hearn
GAYE CRONIN
Deecy Hearn
MARIETTA DIENES
John Colegrove
EAGLE RANCH VOLUNTEERS
Frederic & Margaret Schaekel
CHASE EVERS*
Foundation Technologies, Inc.
STEWART HAMMOND
Robert Orr
JERRY & ELISE JACKSON
Kim Jackson
ROBIN LYNCH
Joey & Jan Millwood
HELEN MARTIN
Margaret & Jeff Whalen
CAROLINE MIXON
Gary & Karen Hickman
THOMAS NATION
John Colegrove
LURENE ODELL
Danny & Glenda Odell
CYNTHIA PARK
Margaret & Jeff Whalen
JACK PARK, JR.
Margaret & Jeff Whalen
JAN & FRANK ROS
John Gelly
KAYANNE STAUB
Julia O'Neill
EDDIE STAUB
Jeff Griswold
CARLA TOTH
North Georgia Community Foundation
THE WEBB FAMILY
Art & Kay Guilmet
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Contributions to the Eagle Ranch Memorial Program are listed in alphabetical order by the name of the deceased. Donors are listed after the name of the person in whose memory they contributed (donations received July 1 – September 30, 2025).
BILL ABRUZZINO
Bill Beaty
NORMAN ADAMS
Frances Whitney
Henry & Kathy Moore
Linda Pirkle Austin
Mac & Jennifer Coile
STANLEY APPLETON
Lake Lanier Auburn Club
Margaret & Jeff Whalen
Mary Brandes
DEBORAH BAGWELL
Kathi Bagwell Pierce
PATRICIA HLAS BAILEY
Karen & Bob Jernigan
STANLEY BAKER
Susie & Johnny Solesbee
CAROL BALLANCE
Gordy & Melanie Germany
CHARLES BARRETT
Pam Barrett
Tiffany, Ronnie & Zayne Hilderbrand
HANNAH BARROW
Esther Barrow
NANCY BAUMGARDNER
John C. Sundstrom
KRIS BEATTY
Linda Pirkle Austin
Teresa, Bree Brown's Family & Jerry Irvin
PATRICIA ANN BLYLER
Albert Blyler
KATHRYN BOHAN
Mike & Jan Callahan
DEB & NEAL BREWER
Charlie & Gaye Cronin
Kathy Brewer
Linda Godfrey
MRS. SARAH CARNES BROWN
Scott Little
ZACH CAMPA
Carmina & James Goss
JACK CAPPS
Ed & Betty Barker
JACOB CARLSON
Connie & Mike Murphy
ELMER & DOROTHY CARTER
Dale Carter
CAROL HARTMAN CLARKE
Sandra Whyte
MILDRED CLEVELAND
Henry & Kathy Moore
CHARLES COOPER
Gary & Candace Pulliam
JULIA (JUDY) CRAWFORD
Andean Chevrolet
Charlie Ginden
Kay Morris
JOHN CROMARTIE
Connie & Mike Murphy
Linda Fowler
Margaret & Jeff Whalen
GWEN CUNNINGHAM
David & Karen Herman
DIANE R. CURINGTON
Tom & Alice Ann Mundy
STEVEN CUTCHIN
Jeff & Johnna Baskett
ROYCE DEATON
Bill & Nancy Hudson
Diane & Doug Magnus
MRS. HELEN ROLLINS
DEVORE
Bert & Joanna Hill
Henry & Ann Goble
Jennifer & Mike Fitzgerald
John & Sandra Sindell
Julie Johnson, Julia Hall
Interiors
Lyn & Drew Hill & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Blake Garrett, Jr.
Sue Arnall
TERENCE DOUGLAS
Glenn & Jean White
JOY WATSON DYER
Jan Nix
MARGARET ELLINGTON
Henry & Company, LLP
WAYNE ELLIOTT
Gainesville High School
Class of 1955
TONY ELROD
Shirley Robertson
BILL & ELEANOR EUBANKS
Catherine Eubanks
CAMERON EVANS
Janet L. Allison
WILMA EWING
Lynn & Edd Price
JOANN FAIR
Craig & Betsy Wolf
CHUCK FAIRCLOTH
Dr. Jean Rollins
DAVID CHARLES FOSTER
A Friend
Chip & Susan Jones
Linda Brock
Lynn & Jimmie Goode
Mike & Wynette Ginn
Nancy Capriotti
Pam & Eric Knisley
Steve & Sheila Steinhauer & Family
The Stelson Family
Walton EMC
LOWELL FULENWIDER
John C. Sundstrom
HAROLD FULLER
Guy & Wendy Dunlap
RANDALL (RANDY) WILSON
FUSSELL
Cherokee Gun Club
DR. JOHN W. GARLAND
John C. Sundstrom
GENE GIBSON
Dennis & Jan Powell
T. ROLAND GILREATH
Bon Dyer
MR. KELSO GOODEN
Billie Bob Hoskyn & Family
JIM GRAVES
Karen S. Hindson
Mary Ann Smith
JERRY RAY GRAVITT
Cherokee Gun Club
INEZ MIDDLEBROOKS HALE
Susan G. Hosay
DON HALL
Bud & Linda Mattingly
BETHANY HALVERSON
Robert & Marilynn Garrett
DANNY HARRIS
Lloyd & Florence Smee & Family
LOU ELLEN HEARD
Lee Ann & Jeff Patton
JANICE LEE HENDERSON
Phil & Debra Henderson
DAKOTA HILL
Tanya H. Guldenschuh
FRED HILL
M S McAllister
HAROLD HILL
Larry & Marsi Briggs
SUSAN HODGSON
Peter Hodgson
JACK K. HOGAN
Bruce & Carole Rhodes
JOHN WILLIAM HOVIS
William Hovis
BETTY W. HOWARD
Henry & Company, LLP
DANIEL H. JONES, SR.
Sarah Jones Bowen
BARBARA & STEVE JORDAN
Jess Jordan
Matt & Kathy Bauerkemper
RONALD JUDSON
Gainesville High School Class of 1955
RICK KISER
Mary Kiser
TOM LAMMERS
Henry & Company, LLP
CHUCK LANA
James & Brenda Miller
GARY LEE
Jim Hayes
ROWENA LOVELL
Henry & Company, LLP
C. INNES MAHON, JR.
Deedee & Tom Jordan
MICHAEL MARRONE
Sara Rutledge
CALVIN & LINDA MARTIN
Dale & Sue Morris
JOE MARTIN
Jefferson Motor Co.
JOYCE BAGWELL MARTIN
Kathi Bagwell Pierce
Leon & Carolyn Bagwell
MARY MASSENGILL
Margaret J. Martin & Family
KAYANNE MASSEY
John C. Sundstrom
PAULA MOORE
Mark & Tanya England
Pat & Russ England
Susan England & Saro Azizian
ED MORGAN
Mary Kiser
ANDY MORRIS
Janie & Gene Dunman
FRANK & ELEANOR MUSCARI
Ray Muscari
DEBBIE NIEHAUS
Tim & Kim Hancock
ROGERS ODELL
Danny & Glenda Odell
Lurene Odell
JOHN HUGHES ORR, JR.
Robert Orr
JAMES PANTER
M S McAllister
LARRY PAYNE
Josephine Payne
MARY PAYNE
Guy & Wendy Dunlap
LINDA PEACOCK
Barry & Barb Stover
CAROLE (CHARLIE) PEARCE
Clyde Pearce
JAMES RANDALL (RANDY)
PENNINGTON
Ann Parker
Dale & Diane Slider
Merle Land
Peggy F. Howell
Perimeter School Ministry
Team
Sheila Roberts
The Arbors HOA Board –Jim, Chris, Susan & Jim
The Bohart Family
LANGLEY WILSON PERER
Melanie & Gordy Germany
MARTHA QUEEN
Nancy Phillips
KIMBERLY POWELL RAINEY
Dennis & Jan Powell
MERCEDES RANGEL
Tim & Kim Hancock
MATTHEW RAY
Uncle Glenn & Aunt Jean
WANDA REED
C. David Reed
SHARON RUGG
Ed Rugg
WILBERT P. RUNDLES
Michael & Rebecca Rundles
DANNIE LEE RUTLEDGE
Dale & Stacey Brown
THE DEWITT WEAVER EAGLE RANCH GOLF CLASSIC
This year’s annual golf tournament was an incredible success, raising over $160,000 to help Eagle Ranch’s mission of whole family healing. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Syfan Logistics, and to all the other fantastic sponsors, players, and volunteers who made this such a memorable day.
EVERETT SAMPLES
Brent & Janet Thomas
SALLY PARLETTE SAMS
Valerie & Ted DeVore
PAT & OTTO SCHUSTER
Mike & Jan Callahan
BERNIE SCHWIND
Ida Schwind
WALT SESSOMS
Harriet Sessoms
CHRIS SHERLOCK
Duane & Patricia Nesbitt
MR. GEORGE N. SPARROW, JR.
Gail Nolan Sparrow
BELINDA SPEIGHTS
Mike & Jan Callahan
WILLARD STAMEY
Bill & Lynn Mauney
WILEY W. STANFORD
Doran Stanford
JOYCE STEVENS
Wendy Mulvane
RONALD N. SYTSMA
Mike & Jan Callahan
KIM TANIS
Mike & Jan Callahan
TRENT THOMASON
Larry & Janet Thomason
TED ULRICH
Annette Burton
STACEY WILLIAMS VOSHALL
Michele Buschman
JOE WATSON
Jan Nix
MARY WATSON
Jan Nix
THOMAS WATSON
Jan Nix
JAMES WEBB
Nick & Carolynrose Gentile
JOE WESTBROOK
Carol & Scott Little
NAN WILLIAMS
Diane & Doug Magnus
MARY WILSON
Schuyler & Rhonda Floyd
HENRY WINN
Jefferson Motor Co.
THE JOY OF GIVING
MADISON
On Christmas morning, my mom and I hand out candy canes to first responders. I couldn’t imagine working on a Christmas morning, so one year, I decided to ask my mom how we could make the essential workers’ Christmas morning better. She said we could get them treats, and we decided on candy canes. That Christmas morning, before opening our own presents, we went out and gave candy canes to the firefighters, police officers, and hospital staff in our community.
RUSSELL
A Christmas tradition my family has is taking turns opening gifts instead of all of us digging in. We do this because my family loves seeing how happy we get when we receive something. One year, my grandma gave me a chain with a cross on it and a note saying how much she cares about me. I smiled so big, and she was so happy that I loved her gift. I see why we have this tradition—giving really does feel better than receiving. Seeing someone light up over a gift is an amazing feeling that brings joy to everyone, especially the one giving.
Send a birthday card to a loved one
We are launching our very first Honor Birthday program! Celebrate a loved one's birthday with a gift that impacts generations. Scan here to give now.
E A G L E R A N C H
CHRISTMAS
WISH LIST
These are some of the ways your Christmas gift can support Eagle Ranch during this special time and throughout the year.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS – Houseparents love to make holidays special for our boys and girls throughout the year.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT – Each child receives one modest gift from the Ranch, as they will have time during the holidays with their own families.
FUN NIGHT OUT – Treat the children and staff in a home to a night out, such as bowling, a special dinner, or a movie night.
SPECIAL STAFF MEAL – Show appreciation for our houseparents, teachers, counselors, and other staff who care for our children with a special lunch or dinner.
GIFT CARDS – We accept gift cards of all types, as they help provide needed items for Ranch children, fun experiences, and much more.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES – We want each child at Eagle Ranch to feel loved and celebrated on their special day. Funds will help purchase birthday supplies.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES – In the new year, the influx of new students and exciting lesson plans requires additional supplies. Help outfit our classrooms!
SPORTS EQUIPMENT – From football to fishing, children enjoy a variety of outdoor sports during PE, after school, and over the weekends.
Giving online?
Add Christmas Wish List in the “Memo” section of our online giving form.
Giving by check?
Add Christmas Wish List to the “Memo” section of your check and mail to: Eagle Ranch · PO Box 7200 Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502
Looking to support a larger need? Contact Kelly Brewer at 770-967-8500 or kbrewer@eagleranch.org.
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Whether it’s monthly giving, an annual gift, a gift through your IRA, life insurance, stock, or real estate sale, we are here to help make giving easy and enjoyable – and make the greatest impact! Remembering Eagle Ranch in your will or estate plan is another way to pay it forward to future generations.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Kelly Brewer: 770.967.8500 or kbrewer@eagleranch.org
MOVE FROM PARENTING DESPERATION TO HOPE
Every parenting journey has its challenges, but it's not one you have to walk alone. That's why we've created the It Takes a Family podcast, a new space dedicated to helping parents move from desperation to hope.
In our first season, we're diving deep into Eagle Ranch's approach the five pillars we believe help individuals and families live a connected, thriving, and supported life. You'll hear from experts and parents who have been in the trenches, sharing their hardearned lessons with you.
We hope this podcast becomes a trusted companion on your path to healing and renewed relationships. Listen right now on all major podcast platforms!
