Brodie Croyle to speak at Pell City library Wednesday

Published 3:18 pm Thursday, July 27, 2017

On Wednesday, August 2, at noon, Pell City Public Library will welcome former University of Alabama star quarterback and retired NFL professional football player, Brodie Croyle for its Wednesday Summer Series.  Croyle, now the Executive Director of the Big Oak Ranch, continues the legacy begun by his father, John, who founded Big Oak Boys Ranch over forty years ago.

“I am honored to welcome Brodie as guest speaker for our Summer Reading series at the library.  The theme this year is “Build a Better World.” It is a theme that is exemplified every day through his work at Big Oak Ranch and through the life-changing impact that those working with the ranch have on the lives of so many children,” said Assistant Library Director, Susan Mann.

The Mission Statement for the Big Oak Ranch states: “Big Oak Ranch exists to meet the needs of abused, neglected and abandoned children by giving them a solid, Christian home and a chance to realize and fulfill God’s plan for their lives.”

The ranch makes four promises to the hurting children who come there:  We love you. . . We will never lie to you. . . We will stick with you until you’re grown and . . .  There are boundaries; don’t cross them.  The hope is that by surrounding the children with a loving and secure Christian environment, that they will have a better chance to find their way in the world and become productive members of society. 

John Croyle, felt led by God to begin a ministry that would help hurting children.  This vision led him to leave a career in professional football (after playing successfully for Coach Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama) and to establish Big Oak Boys Ranch in Gadsden back in 1974.

The vision for a Girl’s Ranch came as a result of a judge’s decision to refuse a 12-year-old girl sanctuary at the Big Oak Boy’s Ranch, even though she had been beaten and sexually abused by her father. That judge’s decision to return her to her parent’s home, resulted in her death within 3 months. The Big Oak Girl’s Ranch in Springville was built in memory of her.

There are now three separate facilities established by the Croyles: The Big Oak Boys Ranch, The Big Oak Girls Ranch and Westbrook Christian School (in Rainbow City.)  Through the years over 2000 children have found a loving Christian home at the Big Oak Ranch.

For more information on former University of Alabama star quarterback and retired NFL professional football player, Brodie Croyle speaking at the Pell City Public Library for its Wednesday Summer Series on August 2 at noon, call (205) 884-1015.