SONNY ELLIS REFLECTIONS
BY EDDIE STAUB
In the mid 1980s, CNN ran a story on Eagle Ranch calling our mission the "Miracle on Chestnut Mountain." It’s always been my desire that the Ranch be a beacon of hope, not only for the children who are served here, but for all those whose lives are somehow touched by this ministry.
Whether it be board members, volunteers, supporters, or advisors, I believe that this “miracle” creates a sense of expectancy that God is always wanting to do something new.
Sonny Ellis experienced that along with us all those many years ago. The following is where his story and Eagle Ranch's intersected.
Sonny Ellis served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Genuine Parts for fifteen years. He was one of the most astute and respected business leaders in both the corporate and foundation communities in Atlanta during that time.
Arriving in Gainesville in late 1982, I began to “try” to raise money for my Eagle Ranch dream throughout northeast Georgia and metro Atlanta. I was a bit of an enigma in those days, and that's where Sonny Ellis entered the picture.
Loyd Strickland, an early Eagle Ranch advisor, asked his good friend, Sonny, if he would check me out to make sure that my vision for Eagle Ranch was legitimate.
A meeting was set up for me to meet Mr. Ellis on May 9, 1983, at 4:30 pm in Atlanta. Prior to the meeting, he asked me to bring my business plan for Eagle Ranch. The only problem was that I wasn't sure what a business plan was! Subsequently, I put together a one-pager that described my vision for Eagle Ranch and an operational and capital forecast.
After Mr. Ellis reviewed my "business plan," he slowly pushed my one sheet across the desk back toward me, took off his glasses, and said as gently as possible the most encouraging words spoken to me since my arrival in Georgia in the early 80s. He said simply, "Eddie, what you want to do is impossible, but I'm not taking into account what God can do through you and others."
That simple statement was so impactful to me because my greatest desire was to do something that could only be accomplished through God's power. So that when people looked at Eagle Ranch, they wouldn't look at me or our Board of Directors but instead see God at work. Mr. Ellis confirmed what I knew; that this endeavor would fail apart from God's intervention.
"EDDIE, WHAT YOU WANT TO DO IS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT I'M NOT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH YOU AND OTHERS."
Perhaps Sonny Ellis’ most significant contribution to Eagle Ranch was the encouragement to start an endowment fund to help offset operational costs for the Ranch. Today our endowment provides a significant source of income, and quite frankly, there are a number of our programs that would not exist today if we hadn't begun to develop that endowment fund back in those early days.
Until his passing at age 97, I would visit Mr. Ellis periodically at his Atlanta retirement community. He would greet me the same way he did that first time we met, but now we both can look back forty years later and marvel at what God brought into being.
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 Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025).
*Honor Birthday Gifts
ROBERT AGNEW
Chuck & Anne Agnew
Vernell Powell
MARK & MICHELLE
ALEXANDER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
JOYCE & SPEARS
ALEXANDER
Julie & Dick Phillips
CHARLOTTE ALLEN
Laurie Googe
ANDY & CASEY ANDERSON
Jim & Sandy Brim
GEORGE ARTMAN
The McKays
WENDY BAILEY
Andy & Tammy Martin
DAVID & KIMBERLY
BARNETT
Rob & Leslie Fowler
LAUREN BARNETT
Padre
AL & CLAY BATTLE
Ann & Pepe Perron
BOB BAZEMORE
Kelly Brewer
ZACH & LUCY BEAGEN
Jean & Paul Stoner
DON & GEORGIA BEASLEY
Mac & Jennifer Coile
MARK & LAUREN BELL
Rob & Leslie Fowler
RAY & JODI BENSON
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
LEIGH ANN & RICK BISHOP
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MR. & MRS. RANDY BOYD
Ann & Phil Williams
JANICE BRANNON
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
WINN & GEN BRANNON
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
BONNIE & ROY BRIM
Jim & Sandy Brim
GEORGE & CAROLYN
BRINSON
Mimi Fox & Family
BILL & SUSAN BROOKSHER
Ann & Pepe Perron
REV. DR. & MRS. GEOFFREY
BROWN
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
MR. WILLIAM BUGG
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
CALEB BURKHART
Tim Wilson
COACH & MRS. WALLY
BURNHAM
Leonard Parks
SHANE & AMY BUSSLER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
CLINT & ASHLEY BYRD
Jim & Sandy Brim
LELAN & EMILY BYRD
Jim & Sandy Brim
SARAH & CLAY BYRD
Jim & Sandy Brim
CAROL CAIACCIO
Bill & Maryellen Caiaccio
MR. & MRS. WILLIAM
CAITLIN, III
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
SHARON CASHIN
The Robinsons
ELLA CHAMBERS
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn &
Sally Brannon
DON CHANDLER
Hayes Way
LINDA CHAPMAN
Jim & Sandy Brim
PHYLLIS CHILDS
Mac & Jennifer Coile
MIMI CHRISTIAN
Robin Johnson
Susan D. Mull
SARAH CLAYTON
Laura Clayton West
SHARON & MILES COKER
Keith & Marybeth Cook
MIMI COLLINS
Rob & Leslie Fowler
KEITH COOK & FAMILY
Miles & Sharon Coker
MAC CORBIN
Aunt Ruthmary
BOBBY & LINDA CORNETT
Ann & Pepe Perron
FEMKE CÔTÉ
Andy & Tammy Martin
BETTY COWART
Drs. Dan & Paula Beckman
MR. & MRS. CHAP
CRAWFORD
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
THE CRONIN FAMILY
Donna & Paul Hearn
CHUCK CULBERSON
Tom & Cathy Fuller
JOHN CUNNINGS
Dave & Betsy Polstra
LORRY DE LA CROIX
Sheila Brewer
TERRY LEE DENNISTON
Diane & Browder Denniston
JOHN & SUE DOUGHTY
Patrick & Jennifer Carlson
DREAMSMITH REALTY
C.L. & Sue Smith
BROADUS & JO DUNCAN
The Friends Class
MR. & MRS. RAYMOND
DUNCAN
Edward & Susan Pope
MR. & MRS. MICHAEL DUNN
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
BILL DUNPHY
Andy & Tammy Martin
JIM & JUDY EBERT
Mac & Jennifer Coile
MARY EFTHIMIOU
Andy & Tammy Martin
MONICA & WESLEY ELLIS & FAMILY
The Ellis Family
JULIE EPPS
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
ELIJAH, EZRA, & EZEKIEL
EVANS
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MR. & MRS. DAVID FERGUSON
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
CHUCK FLEMING
The Robinsons
MILDRED & MARK FOCKELE
Jim & Sandy Brim
DR. & MRS. MARK FORD
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
EMMETT & JULIE FORRESTER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
WEYMON & ANSLEY FORRESTER
Jim & Sandy Brim
HILL FORT
Andy & Tammy Martin
BRETT FOWLER
Anna Hewell
LINDA FOWLER
Carolyn Smith
Rob & Leslie Fowler
MRS. MIMI FOX & FAMILY
Ronnie & Carol Whitmire
BRIGHTON FRANKLIN
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
VICKY GAILEY
Ann & Phil Williams
MARGARET GARRISON
Beth Chapman
BUDDY & CHERRY GAY
Ann & Pepe Perron
JOHN & ROBYN GEDNEY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MR. & MRS. GORDY GERMANY
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
JAMES & KARA GILBERT
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
JADEN GLASPER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
KATHY GOSSELIN
Jim & Sandy Brim
CHRISTINA GRAM
Jim & Sandy Brim
TIFFANY GREENWAY
Andy & Tammy Martin
MAURICE & MARGARET
GREGORY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
JOHN GRIMSLEY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
CATHY HAGUE
Andy & Tammy Martin
HALL COUNTY, GA
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
BG & Mrs. John T. Gentry, Jr.
MITZI HALVERSON
Friends & Family
BRAD HAND
Tracey Smith
ELIZABETH HARRIS
Rosalie North
BILL & JACKIE HARTLEY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
FRED HASELDEN
Dave & Betsy Polstra
MILT HASTY
Tim Wilson
MR. & MRS. JIM HAYWOOD
Leonard Parks
CHUCK & MELISSA HERBERT
Mac & Jennifer Coile
TONY & CATHY HERDENER
Rob & Leslie Fowler
DR. & MRS. WILLIAM
HERNDON
Libby Nabors
GARY & ANGIE HEWINS
Tom & Cathy Fuller
STACEY & GREG HODGES & FAMILY
The Ellis Family
GEORGE & MARTHA
HOKAYEM
Jim & Sandy Brim
TOM & MARSHA HOLCOMB
Ann & Pepe Perron
BILLY HOLLOWAY
John Colegrove
DOUG & KATY HONG
Jim & Sandy Brim
MRS. FAYE HUGHES
JoAnn Morgan
CAMERON & NICOLE
HUTCHINS
Diane & Browder Denniston
MIKE & DIANA HYAMS
Rob & Leslie Fowler
CHRIS & BETH IRWIN
Carroll & Joan Humphries
NORAH & LUKE IRWIN
Ann & Phil Williams
RICHARD & ADELIA IVY
Rob & Leslie Fowler
JERRY & ELISE JACKSON
Kim Jackson
DR. L. DAN JOHNSON
Laura, Blake & Virginia
TOM & LEIGHANN
JOHNSTON
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
INGRID SAUNDERS JONES
Mart & LeAnne Martin
LEANNE JONES
John Colegrove
GUY & ALICE JORDAN
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
ANNE JULIAN
Michael Hilliard
MEGHAN KIDD
Andy & Tammy Martin
ROD KNOWLES
Tom & Cathy Fuller
MR. & MRS. MIKE
KOSLOWSKY
BG & Mrs. John T. Gentry, Jr.
DEBRA LASSITER
Mac & Jennifer Coile
CAROLYN & ZACK LAYFIELD
Scott & Kim Jones
DAVID & MICHELLE LEITER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
JASON & LISA LEITER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MRS. POLLY LLOYD
Leonard Parks
KAT LONG
Larry & Stefanie Long
ANDY LORENZEN
Andy & Tammy Martin
PAT & LARRY LYKINS
Jim & Sandy Brim
MARTIN & BETH MACHEN
Ann & Pepe Perron
MR. & MRS. CRAIG
MACKENZIE
Ann & Phil Williams
SUE MAGISH
Ken Habedank
DIANE & DOUG MAGNUS
Mac & Jennifer Coile
BETTY MANSFIELD
Becky Nance
Neil & Rosemary Richie
VAL MARKOS
Andy & Tammy Martin
MART & LEANNE MARTIN
Dennis & Carolyn Dahl
Kim & Kinny Howell
TANIA & DON MARTIN
Jim & Sandy Brim
SHARON MASON
Ken Habedank
BEN MASON
The Family of Mitchell
Lapleau McIntire
DOUG & TRICIA MCDUFF
Jim & Sandy Brim
Mimi Fox & Family
CHERYL MCELVEEN
Mimi Fox & Family
WAYNE MCGEE
Tom & Cathy Fuller
JEFF MCINTIRE
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
GRAHAM & PRISCILLA
MCKINNON
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
AVERY & APRIL MCLEAN
Mac & Jennifer Coile
MICHAEL & MARYANN
MCNEILLY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
STEVE & PAM MCNEILLY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
GERALD J. MCQUAID
Mark & Danielle McQuaid
STEVE & SUSAN
MIDDLEBROOKS
Mac & Jennifer Coile
MICHAEL & SHEILA MOHR
Phil & Tracy Mohr
CHRIS MUNDY
John Colegrove
DAD & JUDY MUSCARI
KarKatSu
LIBBY NABORS
Steve & Soozie Shore
ANDY & EMILY NELSON
Dave & Betsy Polstra
Randy & Carol Pope
LYDIA, WESLEY & HAILEY
NICKELL
Ann & Phil Williams
JOHNNY & CINDY NIVENS
Jim & Sandy Brim
ROBERT ORR
Bill & Sallie Stark
MRS. BILL OTTO
Leonard Parks
TIFFANY PAGE
Diane & Browder Denniston
LAURA & ROBERT PANCAKE
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MR. & MRS. DOUG PARKS
Leonard Parks
JEFF & HART PAYNE
Rob & Leslie Fowler
DAN & NATALIE PEMBERTON
Jim & Sandy Brim
PEPE & ANN PERRON
Steve & Page Stroup
CHASE & JESSICA PIRKLE
Jim & Sandy Brim
MR. PEMBROKE POPE
Edward & Susan Pope
DEAN & SHELLY POTTER
Ann & Pepe Perron
RICKY & STEPHANIE
PRESLEY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
RALPH REGAN
Susan DeDeyn
MELANIE & JERRY REILLY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
LUIS & DAWN RIVAS
Carolyn Smith
ALFRED & ELIZABETH
ROBERTSON
Ann & Pepe Perron
RICH & LYNN ROBINSON
John & Sharon Bozman
JUSTIN & MADISON ROSS
Diane & Browder Denniston
ROYAL LAKES BIBLE STUDY
GROUP
Victor Wilson
KEN RUTLEDGE
Tom & Cathy Fuller
BOB & CAROL SCHAFFELD
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
LORRY & SHERRIE SCHRAGE
Ann & Pepe Perron
SUMMER SCHULZ
Tim Wilson
JOHN SHACKELFORD
Andy & Tammy Martin
GINGER & DAVID SIEGEL
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MS. CHARLOTTE POPE
SIMMONS
Edward & Susan Pope
KENNEDY SMARTT
Mark & Beth Lane
THE TYLER SMITH FAMILY
Leonard Parks
AMY SNELLINGS
Andy & Tammy Martin
KELLEY SORROW
Andy & Tammy Martin
ANGELA & LOUIS SPEAR
Jim & Sandy Brim
MR. & MRS. DAVID STAEBELL
BG & Mrs. John T. Gentry, Jr.
BETTY WILLIAMS STARK
Bill & Sallie Stark
EDDIE STAUB
Elizabeth & Joe Frank
Harris, Sr.
John (Jack) Boswell
KAYANNE & EDDIE STAUB
Kevin & Gail Burke
MR. & MRS. BOB STEIN
Mr. & Mrs. Corb Hankey
PEG STEPHENSON
Thursday Bible Study at Johns Creek Baptist Church
SARA STORCK
L.J. Yankosky
WARREN & JAMIE STRIBLING
Rob & Leslie Fowler
DENNIS & GAYLE
STRICKLAND
Chris & Paige Born
ROLAND & KATHY
STROBERG
Ronnie & Carol Whitmire
DAVE & MANDY STROUP
Ann & Pepe Perron
STEVE & PAGE STROUP
Ann & Pepe Perron
MR. & MRS. GROVER SWILLEY
Ann & Phil Williams
SARAH & MATTHIEU THIRIEZ
Jim & Sandy Brim
MR. & MRS. DAVE THOMAS
Edward & Susan Pope
BRENDA THOMAS
Rob & Leslie Fowler
TANNER TRAMMELL
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
DICK & PAM TREADWELL
Jim & Sandy Brim
MIKE SMITH & DIXIE TRUELOVE
Rob & Leslie Fowler
MICHAEL TUCKER
Andy & Tammy Martin
DR. JOSH UPTIGROVE
Kim Benton
CHERRY VALENTINE
Rob & Leslie Fowler
MOLLY & BENJAMIN VAN
BUREN
Laurie Googe
WILL WADE
Mac & Jennifer Coile
JAY & SHELLY WAGNER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
LEE & KRISTIN WAGNER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MARK WALDRON
The Robinsons
RICHARD WARD
Tom & Cathy Fuller
ELIZABETH & LATRELLE WATERS
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
JOE & LYNN WEBER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
JOHN & ALAYNA WELLS
Jim & Sandy Brim
TOM WENDLE
Parker Shaw
BARRY WHEELER
Tom & Cathy Fuller
JOHN WHITAKER
Tom & Cathy Fuller
MAX WHITE
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
NICOLA WHITLEY
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
MIKE & BECKY WHITMIRE
Ann & Pepe Perron
DR. JESSICA &
MR. PJ WILLIAMS
Ann & Phil Williams
PHIL & ANN WILLIAMS
Joan & Carroll Humphries
TIM WILSON
Dave & Betsy Polstra
BETH WILSON
Tim Wilson
PAT WINCHESTER
Tom & Cathy Fuller
JUDGE CHARLIE & DANCY
WYNNE
Mimi Fox & Family
Ronnie & Carol Whitmire
HARPER YAGER
Dave, Tammy, Mary Wynn & Sally Brannon
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 Oct. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025).
KENNETH C. ADAMS
Charlie & Dancy Wynne
Danny & Linda Crane
NORMAN ADAMS
John & Martha J. Thompson
MR. DONALD ADKINS
Dr. Jean Rollins
JAMIE & JESSIE AMERSON
Cathy & Bill Coody
BETTY ANDERSON
Ann & Pepe Perron
STANLEY W. APPLETON
Charlie & Dancy Wynne
Steve & Susan Gilliam
ATHENA, BELOVED BOXER
Harris & Ann Wilbanks
JOANNE C. BAGWELL
Wiley & Judy Black
SCOTT BAGWELL
Susan & Benny Bagwell
DICK BAILEY
RoseAnn Knight
EDNA WOMACK BAKER
Tim Wilson
ARTHUR BUDDY BALL
Steve & Susan Gilliam
BRYAN BALLARD
Amy Chosewood
The Bragg Family
PEGGY, BILL, & DEBBIE
BARRS
Cathy & Bill Coody
DICK BAXTER
Keith & Marybeth Cook
GAYNELLE BEACH
James & Brenda Miller
BUCKY ALAN BEGGS
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Beggs
BEV BELL
Tom Wendle
JACK C. BELL
Charlie & Dancy Wynne
BELLA, BELOVED DOG
Harris & Ann Wilbanks
EVELYN M. GREEN BIGUS
Henry & Company, LLP
PATRICIA ANN BLYLER
Albert Blyler
JUDGE JOSEPH BOOTH
Jefferson Motor Co.
MR. CHARLES NEAL BOOTH
John & Kelli Wright
GREGORY BOULUS
Jesse & Carol Palmer
ROBERT T. BOWEN
Barbara Wyle
DOROTHY BOWLES
Kermit & Ann Adams
WILLIAM BOWMAN
Cathy & Bill Coody
DEB & NEAL BREWER
Dr. Gaye Cronin
PAUL EDWIN BRINSFIELD
Mary Redfearn
W.H. BRITT
Gary & Candace Pulliam
JEWEL ABNEY BROCKINTON
Sam Brockinton
DAVID BROWN
Mike & Denise Brown
GAIL BROWN
Jerry & Wanda Crawley
JANIE BROWN
William J. Brown, Lt. Col.,
USAF (Ret.)
JEFF BROWN
Cathy & Bill Coody
MAVIS JEAN BROWN
Polly & Bruce Eades
RICHARD BROWN
Phil & Shirley Hudgins
MRS. BRUNK
RoseAnn Knight
BUELL BUFFINGTON
Amy Chosewood
SID BURRIS
Carol & Scott Little
JOY BUTLER
Aaron & Kathy Strickland
ROBERT (ROB) LEMONS CAIN
Bobbie Cain
JACK CAPPS
Brad Auffarth
JoAnn Morgan
BELLE CHANDLER
Peggy Graham
JOSIE SCOTT (JO) CHANNELL
Callahan/Coley BF Class, Christ Place Church
Doug & Cindy Waltman
Joe & Jo Ann Cowan
Joe Cowan Bible Fellowship at Christ Place Church
Kevin & Sandy Johnson
Larry & Nita Bottolfson
Terry & Gina Lockwood
William & Donna Staples
MR. & MRS. T.J. CHAPMAN
Thomas & Diane Chapman
GLORIA CLARK
Ann Hill
HARLAN & JEREE CLARK
Terry & Sandra Clark
Schneider
RALPH W. & MARY R. CLEVELAND
John, Cathy, Michael, Scott, & Georgie Cleveland
SCOTT COFER
Amanda Swafford
GUS L. CONNELLY
Carol Ann & Steven Samuels
MARC COURTEAU
Family
RUSTY CRAIN
Sandra Dorsey
JOHN CROMARTIE
Phil & Shirley Hudgins
Steve & Susan Gilliam
CURRY CROSS
Deanna & Destry Rogers
BERNICE CROWE
Jim & Diane Latimer
CECIL CROWE
Mike & Denise Brown
STEVEN CURRIE
Doug & Lura Currie
WATTS DAIN
Cathy & Bill Coody
ANNIE MARGARET
BLANCHE DAVIS
Craig & Betsy Wolf
JEREMY DAVIS
Tommy Davis
PATSY LOUISE DAVIS
Harris & Ann Wilbanks
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION, PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
In the Elementary Program at Eagle Ranch School, students are discovering hope, confidence, and academic success. With many children coming in several grade levels behind, the program provides small class sizes, tailored instruction, and a deeply supportive environment that nurtures the whole child.
“Our mission is to provide families with an opportunity to heal while at the same time their child is succeeding academically,” says Julie Price, Elementary Teacher. She has seen firsthand how early intervention changes lives.
“I have lost count how many times students have looked at me beaming over a good grade—they tackled what they thought was an impossible task and conquered it!”
Through collaboration among teachers, counselors, and families, students find renewed motivation and growth. “Lives are being changed, not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually too,” Price shares.
At Eagle Ranch School, early support helps students build a strong academic foundation and a renewed sense of confidence.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EAGLE RANCH SCHOOL
Eagle Ranch School is a private, SACS-accredited school serving grades 4-9 in the Residential and Day Programs. It features small class sizes, one-on-one instruction, and an adaptive curriculum tailored to each student’s academic and therapeutic needs.
Julie with her students and service dog, PJ, who is often in the classroom.
JARRETT L. DAVIS III
Somerset Foundation, Inc.
CAROL DEATON
Carl & Sue Knight
Shawn Walker & Hank Randolph
MR. ROYCE DEATON
Jerry Jackson
GENIE & HUBERT DEATON, JR.
Hubert & Karen Deaton
HEATHER DIXON
Cathy & Bill Coody
MARY JANE SKIPPER DUKE
Craig & Betsy Wolf
DANNY DUNAGAN
Harrison Martin & David Reed
The Mike Murphy Family
R.H. (BOBBY) DURHAM, SR.
Bill Whorley
MICHAEL V. DUVALL
Dale Graham
CLAY DYKES
Cathy & Bill Coody
JOSH DYKES
Cathy & Bill Coody
MR. & MRS. CHARLES D. EDWARDS
Charlene E. Edwards
LOUISE EIDSON
Dr. Judith Long
MRS. BILLIE ELLIS
Greg, Stacey, Gracie & Andrew Hodges
JAMES M. EUBANKS
Gail Palmer
DONALD L. FAIRCHILD
Tim Fairchild
ALL MY FAMILY
Wilda McWilliams
LINDA FAULK
Cathy & Bill Coody
ELEANOR FOSTER
Dr. Judith Long
JAN JORDAN FOWLER
Allison & Johnny Lunsford
Andrea & Jeff Pierce
Brenda Jackson
Edna Pirkle
Mark & Hope Jackson
ERICK GAITHER
Jackie Darnell
SUSANNE H. GALE
Christopher Gale
LOLETTE GATLIN
Dennis & Jan Powell
SUSAN GILBERT
The Stanleys
BOYD & BILLIE GILSTRAP
Mr. Richard M. Morris
KATIE GLENN
Jefferson Motor Co.
MAXINE WOOD GRAGE
Dr. Walter Grage
SHANE GRAHAM
Cathy & Bill Coody
GARY & BECKY GRANT
Scott & Lisa Grant
MIKE GRANT
Tom & Cathy Fuller
CAMERON R. GRAY
Chad, Melanie & Sam
Kerrith Gray Miller & Family
INEZ HALE
Jeannee C. Sheffield
KENNETH HALEY
Christine Haley
MARTHA SCOTT HALEY
Charlie & Dancy Wynne
JOSHUA HALL
Ann & Pepe Perron
BETHANY HALVERSON
Family & Friends
RONNIE HAMILTON
Junior & Sharon Flanigan
LONNIE HAMRICK
Gary & Teresa Niebur
DAVID T. HANCOCK
America Fence Co.
JAMES & ALDA HARBIN
Harold Harbin
PATRICIA TRUELOVE HARBIN
Harold Harbin
ENID & JACK HASTINGS
Carol & Chris Hoover
WILLIAM HELTON, JR.
Rita Helton
MRS. JANICE HENDERSON
Jerry Jackson
MRS. MARSHA HENSON
Schuyler & Rhonda Floyd
VAN HILL
Ann & Pepe Perron
JANE HIPPS
Mr. & Mrs. John M. Wright, Jr.
BRYANT & JOAN HODGSON
Earl T. Leonard, Jr.
JACK K. HOGAN
Carole Rhodes
JANICE HOGAN
Carole Rhodes
MARGARET HOHENSTEIN
HOLLIS
Eddie & Kayanne Staub
Heaney Family
BILLY HOLLOWAY
John Colegrove
FLORENCE & HARRY
HOOVER
Carol & Chris Hoover
MIKE HORNE
Cathy & Bill Coody
JOHN WILLIAM HOVIS
William Hovis
HENRY (HANK) HOWARD, III
Ann Howard
HENRY G. HOWARD, JR.
Ann Howard
JIM HUDGINS
Scott Little
DOROTHY (TINY) HULSEY
Gainesville Wednesday Study Club
John Phillips
Linda Fowler
STAN HUNT
Shawn Walker &
Hank Randolph
RICHARD HUNTER &
HAL HUNTER
Ann & Pepe Perron
ADA MAE IVESTER
Johnny & Susie Solesbee
WADE JACKSON
Marcia & Ernest Smith
ROBERT HODGES JOHNSON
Bob & Tami Coleman
Locke Coleman
INGRID SAUNDERS JONES
Mart & LeAnne Martin
LINDY JONES
Freeman & Belva Strickland
MR. DAVE JONES, JR.
Dr. Jean Rollins
BARBARA & STEVE JORDAN
Matt & Kathy Bauerkemper
Melanie Pager
LIB JULIAN
Alan Julian
MARIE JUSTUS
Mac & Jennifer Coile
REV. RICK KISER
Mike & Kay Riggan
CHRIS KNIGHT
Lloyd & Florence Smee & Family
LINDSAY KNIGHT
Cathy & Bill Coody
ART KUNZER
Steve & Susan Gilliam
BOB LAUMAN
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Beal
MANDY LEGUIN
Cathy & Bill Coody
BECKY LINDMAN
John Colegrove
JOHNNY LITTLE
Scott Little
MICKEY LONG
Larry & Stefanie Long
J.C. & MOENA LOTHRIDGE
Mike & Connie Lothridge
CHARLES A. LUCKEY
Judy Luckey
BOBBY LUCKIE
Tom & Cathy Fuller
DIANE LYLES
Cathy & Bill Coody
SUE MAGISH
Ken Habedank
JOHN MANSFIELD
Becky Nance
JOHN MANSFIELD, SR. Betty Mansfield
WILLIAM W. MARKERT
John M. Mavromatis
CALVIN & LINDA MARTIN
Glenn & Mildred Rider
W. JOHNNY MARTIN
Barbara K. Martin
SHARON MASON
Ken Habedank
NIKKI MAXWELL
Cathy & Bill Coody
MARY MAYSON
Rick & Pat Mayson
LEE & HELEN MCDONALD
David & Deborah Clark
REV. JAMES MCNEAL
Jerry Jackson
CHARLOTTE MEISTER
Susie & Johnny Solesbee
OTIS (BUDDY) H. MELTON, JR.
Tripp & Grace Melton
THIRTY YEARS OF CHANGED LIVES
HONORING MICHAEL JOHNSON
Eagle Ranch staff, past clients, and friends recently gathered to celebrate the retirement of Michael Johnson, a beloved counselor who faithfully served children and their families at Eagle Ranch for over thirty years.
When John Shackelford became the new Executive Director at Eagle Ranch, one of his first conversations was with Michael Johnson—a counselor nearing retirement after nearly 30 years of service. Though saddened by the news of Michael’s plan to retire, John accepted Michael’s decision, grateful for the legacy he had already built.
Less than a year later, as new initiatives were taking shape at the Ranch, John proposed a new training role to Michael. Fully expecting him to decline and step into retirement, John was stunned by Michael’s response. With joyful surprise, Michael exclaimed, “I feel like I won the lottery with this new opportunity!”
Believing deeply in the direction Eagle Ranch was heading, Michael chose to stay—and went on to serve faithfully for another 2.5 years.
Michael has been a steady force of wisdom and goodness on our counseling team, known for his compassion, presence, and Christ-centered care.
In every session, he made room for a third presence: Jesus, the True Healer. His legacy lives on not only in changed lives, but in the counselors he trained and the faith he lived out daily.
Enjoy your next season, Michael – you will be missed! Congratulations on a faithful, dedicated, and deeply meaningful career.
MR. & MRS. MICHAEL
MIHALICK
Phil & Shirley Hudgins
JACKIE SWANN MILLER
Carol S. Gibson
JEFF & NELLIE MAE MILLER
James & Brenda Miller
LAURA MARIE MILLER
James & Brenda Miller
FRANK MILLS
Ann & Pepe Perron
PHILLIP MIXON
Mary Brandes
EVE MODZIK
Johnny & Susie Solesbee
NANCY HAWKINS MOORE
Mike & Becky Rundles
NEIL MORGAN
Tom & Cathy Fuller
STANLEY D. MOSES
Nancy L. Moses
CHRIS MUNDY
John Colegrove
DOROTHY NELSON
Craig & Betsy Wolf
JOAN NICHOLS
Dennis & Gayle Strickland
Paul Sims
ROBERT NIEBUR
Gary & Teresa Niebur
MIKE NIEDERHAUSER
David & Reecie Campbell
ELBERT & NELLIE BELL NIX
James & Brenda Miller
HUGH NIX
James & Brenda Miller
J. KENNETH NIX
Steve & Susan Gilliam
KATHY NIX
Duane & Patricia Nesbitt
KEN NIX
Doug & Diane Magnus
Pam Waters Treadwell
CINDY NOBLES
Cathy & Bill Coody
MRS. BETTY NORTON
Henry & Company, LLP
LINDA & STAN ODELL
Sue Pruitt
ROGERS ODELL
Lurene Odell
MANCEL OLIVER
James & Brenda Miller
ERIC DONALD PAINTER
Donald Painter
CORENE E. PALMER
Gail Palmer
GLENDA A. PALMER
Gail Palmer
RICHARD D. PALMER
Gail Palmer
BETTY JEAN PARKER
Diane Kenyon
Lynn Bryant
ED & RANDY PARKS
Leonard Parks
JEAN B. PARKS
Leonard Parks
NANCY M. PARKS
Leonard Parks
THOMAS D. PATE, SR
Barbara A. Pate
LAXMI & SHANTA PATEL
Ranjit & Pushpa Patel
LARRY PAYNE
Josephine Payne
EMY PEACOCK
Cathy & Bill Coody
PAUL W. PERDUE
Virginia Christine Perdue
DAVID PERRON
Ann & Pepe Perron
MR. L.C. PERRY
Anna P. Sisk
DICK PERSHING
Wendy Mulvane
DR. JACK ALLEN PIRKLE
Amy Chosewood
Jack & Lynne Allen
KENNETH JOSEPH PLIS
Melanie & Gordy Germany
BARBARA PORTER
James C. Porter
TOM PORTER
Cathy & Bill Coody
CHARLES & WANDA PRIEM
Kasey Priem
Randall & Beth Powers
TONY PRITCHETT
Bobby & Kathy Lawson
JOHN CURTIS PRUETT
Virginia Pruett
CURTIS PRUETT, JR.
Virginia Pruett
GRACE & FORREST PUCKETT
John & Nena (Puckett) Bruffey
MRS. ROSE REED
Kenneth & Janice Williams
R.C. & IRENE REED
Kermit & Ann Adams
JIM REINOEHL
The Arias Family
MRS. JANE RHODES
Bill Whorley
ELBERT RIVERS
Jennifer Roeser
MR. JEFF ROBINSON
John Yarbrough
SANDRA ROMBERG
Steve & Susan Gilliam
ALLAN ROSS
J.R. & Frances Kanady
PHYLLIS RUH
Ray & Judy Muscari
RICHARD & PAT RUSSELL
Richard Russell, Jr.
BRAD SANDERS
Cathy & Bill Coody
FANNIE SANDERS
Rick & Pat Mayson
SAM SARTAIN
Gail Allen
TRACEY SATTERFILED
Terry & Cheryl Osbolt
RENATA SCHEDER
Robert Ketterer
LOREN & MARIAN
SCHNEIDER
Terry & Sandra Clark
Schneider
BERNIE SCHWIND
Eva Schwind
Ida Schwind
MARK J. SEALS
Patsy Seals
Secret Santa
PAUL G. SEALS
Patsy Seals
WALT SESSOMS
Harriet Sessoms
MRS. GRACE SHADBURN
Jim Hayes
JANIE BARKSDALE SHARP
Ann & Pepe Perron
ANDREA SHEFFIELD
Cathy & Bill Coody
CHRISTOPHER SHORT
Jim & Jana Fletcher
MARILU TUMLIN SIMS & LEROY SIMS
Don & Susan Cumming
OPAL SHELTON SIMS & J.M. SIMS
Don & Susan Cumming
AL SMITH
Cathy & Bill Coody
CAM SMITH
Cathy & Bill Coody
JACK WELLS SMITH
Joyce E. Smith
ALTON I. SMITH, JR.
Carol Smith Meredith
JIM SPRINKLE
Tom & Cathy Fuller
SAM STINSON
Cathy & Bill Coody
ADA FLORENCE STOVALL
John M. Mavromatis
DIANE STRAUS
Barry Straus
JACKSON LEE STRICKLAND
Dwight Brookshire
Mike & Diane Kent
LONNIE & RUTH
STRICKLAND
Chris & Paige Born
SANDRA J. SULLARDS
Bark & Margaret Wong & Family
Kayanne & Eddie Staub
Kelly Brewer
CAPTAIN MICHAEL A. SWEAT
June & Bobby Sweat
BARBARA TANNER
Aaron & Kathy Strickland
TERRY TANNER
Carol & Scott Little
DON THARPE
Mike & Diane Kent
ANNE WARREN THOMAS
Charlie & Dancy Wynne
ANDY THOMPSON
Ann & Pepe Perron
SUPE & CLIFF THOMPSON
Their Children & Grandchildren
BARBARA TOROK
Alan & Marilyn Lunsford
TERRY TRAVIS
Aaron & Kathy Strickland
HAROLD TRIBBLE
Mike & Diane Kent
LOY & GRACE TRUELOVE
Harold Harbin
ANDY TURK
Joe & Marcia Bagby
BONNIE BROWN TURK
David & Deborah Clark
Joe & Marcia Bagby
JOSH WADE
Cathy & Bill Coody
LOGAN WADE
Dale & Stacey Brown
NAOMI WADE
Lurene Odell
Philip & Linda
CHARLOTTE CLARK WATSON
Amy Chosewood
Bernice & Carlyle Cox
Bill & Lynn Elliott
Sammy Smith
The Family of Brenda Marshall
ERNEST & MONTEEN WATTS
Nancy Phillips
JIM WEBB
Jim & Laura Webb
AL, RUTH & TIM WENDLE
Thomas P. Wendle
BOBBY WHEAR
Lloyd & Florence Smee & Family
MARVIN WILEY
Lynn Wiley
AGNES & JOHN WILLIAMS
Diane Kenyon
Lynn Bryant
JOSH WILLIS
Cathy & Bill Coody
GEORGE (BUBBA) & MARY ANN WILSON
Sally Spinks
JOAN WILSON
Victor Wilson
PAUL & MARTHA WILSON
Sandy & Eddie Mimbs
LEO WINTERS & JULIETTE WINTERS
Ann & Pepe Perron
KEITH WOLFE
Betty Wolfe
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
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 Chad Gray: 770.967.8500 or cgray@eagleranch.org
We are thrilled to launch The Kindred Collective— a community of mission-minded, like-hearted women dedicated to seeing God’s Kingdom on earth, right here at Eagle Ranch.
Throughout 2026, we invite women of all ages to join us as we Gather, Serve, Equip, and Give. Our gatherings are designed to replenish your spirit and connect you with a sisterhood of purpose. There is no membership fee—only a shared heart for the mission of the Ranch and the families we serve.
Are you a kindred spirit?
Join us as we build this new community together. To learn more, visit us online at the link below.
