This online news website is owned and operated by Becky Watts. If you enjoy reading Pike County Times, consider buying an advertisement for your business or sending a donation to support the only free online newspaper in Pike County. Donations can be sent to: The Pike County Times, PO Box 843, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. Click here to donate through PayPal. Thanks for supporting Pike County's only free online newspaper!
To Young People, Family and Communities
THE ROCK – The Rock Ranch team is reflecting on the memory, contributions and mission of our founder S. Truett Cathy who passed away early this morning at the age of 93. Truett, who was Chick-fil-A® founder and chairman emeritus, purchased The Rock Ranch property in 1989 and entrusted his former Sunday school student and life-long friend Jeff Manley to manage the farm.
Truett met Jeff in a drug store where Jeff worked, as a twelve-year-old, cleaning shelves for five dollars a week. Truett liked Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit and appreciated his work ethic for someone so young. He invited Jeff to his Sunday school class. When Jeff’s father passed away the following year, Truett took on the role of mentor for young Jeff. This relationship motivated Truett to start the Winshape foster homes program. Jeff was among the first class of the Winshape scholars program to Berry College. Shortly after graduation, Truett asked Jeff if he would like to manage his new farm property in The Rock, Georgia.
“It just felt right,” said Jeff. “The place was so dilapidated, but it presented a great challenge and something fun and meaningful that Truett and I could do together.” Since then, Jeff has overseen incredible changes at The Rock Ranch, which is now a beautiful 1,500 acre cattle ranch. It’s a place where families, school groups and even businesses can come to enjoy what we call “agritourism.”
“For a man so incredibly busy, Truett spent amazing amounts of time giving of himself to others. He was a lot more than just a remarkable business man. He was a fine Christian man, a prayer warrior, a mentor, a supporter to foster parents, a community volunteer, a Sunday school teacher for decades, and a man who was committed to spending valuable time with his family. That’s what he’s given us at The Rock Ranch, a beautiful place where families can spend time together to bond and create wholesome and treasured memories,” said Jeff. “In my heart, the gift of time is Truett Cathy’s legacy and most important contribution that he’s left behind as an example for all of us.”
The Rock Ranch is dedicated to “Growing Healthy Families” and believes in using resources entrusted by God to cultivate positive life memories in a safe agricultural environment that fosters fun, education and growth. Visit www.TheRockRanch.com for more details.
Follow the link below to find the official Chick-fil-A® press release on the life and death of S. Truett Cathy, funeral arrangements and memorial donation information. demoss.com/newsrooms/truettcathy#news-releases.