My son, Dick Lawson, was born in Georgia with special learning disabilities. We placed him in public, private and military schools, trying to help his learning and decision making ability.
In 1979, we enrolled Dick, who was 16 years of age, in Evergreen Life Services near Minden. The school and Mr. Outz, a Special Education Professional, had a great reputation for helping special young adults.
Little did we know that the Minden community and especially Coach Ronnie Whatley, would make Dick a favorite son of the community. We had no idea of just how wonderful Minden would be
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Awesome
Life in full circle, congrats to all.
Sooo many students will miss out on Coach Whatley’s guidance and laughter upon his retirement. Good Luck Coach Whatley from myself and Mikaela! We Love you!!!
What a testimony for both men!
Just a beautiful story!
Dick’s mom said what we all knew. Ronnie and Cheryl are great people,
Well…Coach Whatley is just AWESOME. He has always been a source of inspiration….even if you weren’t able to do athletics. Dick is a great guy and is never short for words. I think the world of both these men. My God continue to send blessing their way.
Coach Whatley coached me and my brother in Jena La in the late 70’s. He was an awesome coach but even a greater man. I was blessed to know him and his family. Love you Coach Whatley and thank you for all you did in Jena.
Coach Whatley will be missed so much! Dick is such a friendly person and so much thanks goes to Coach Whatley and all the others for helping him!
My son loves Coach Whatley just like yours. I have been privileged to work with Coach Whatley at MHS and now at Webster. He is a GREAT person! Also, my kids (all 3 grown) and I love Dick. He, too,is a great person! God did a lot of working to get Dick to Minden, a city which embraces his kind heart. God is good, all the time!
This is such a great story! Coach Whatley is one of the best that MHS has and will have had!! And Dick is a great man to know!!!
Coach Whatley was an awesome coach that would get on to u but hug u later. I miss him! MHS and the other schools and students were lucky to have him!
So sweet Dick will always be loved by Minden. Coach Whatley is a jewel himself.
Coach Whatley was always one of my favorites at Minden High! He will definitely be missed!
Such a sweet Story! I know coach Whatley and his sweet wife! They are great people! Dick is a favorite all around Minden! Everyone loves him!!
Both Coach Whatley and Dick are extraordinary men. Hats off to you coach. . .
What a wonderful story. Thank you Coach for being such a fine coach and wonderful mentor for our young people in Webster Parish. Your wife is pretty special also.
What a great story!
My son Cade was injured playing FB last year and I always tell Dick to take care of him for me. He lets me know after every FB game and baseball game how Cade’s leg is doing. Great guy.
Our family love Ronnie and Cheryl Whatley with all our hearts.
Two great men! I was blessed to work with Coach Whatley at MHS from 1993-2000 and got to know Dick as well. Both of them always had a smile on their face and an encouraging word.
Thank you both for the example you have set for all of us!
So sweet
know Dick and if you don’t know him you need too, he is one of the happiest men I know and sweet to all that he see. And between all this with Dick and the St. Jude’s and just what Minden gives back we live in one of the grates town.. Thank you Coach and Minden for looking out for my Friend. I meet Dick about 5 years ago when I was down at the racecar shop where Dick loved to help Mark Woods and as Mark loved having dick around. Dick and I have been friends all this time. Minden loves Dick he is the heart and sole of Minden.
We all love coach and Dick great part of our town
Coach Whatley you are loved in this community!! What a great man you are!!!!
Coach whatley your the man!!Great Coach!
WOW! You have showed Christianity in shoe leather Coach Whatley. What an example you are!
I’ll never forget either one of them. Coach Whatley made me tougher and Dick was always on the field during football season. Unforgettable memories.
Dick is so kind & friendly. Wish we had more professionals with such loving hearts like Ronnie & Cheryl Whatley. WHAT A SWEET STORY.
What an inspiring testimony to the goodness of man and God. It thrills our hearts to know how well Dick is doing and to know much he is lived and appreciated. We know that you as his mother feel so blessed by the people God has put in Dick’s life. May God continue to bless him and all of his support team in Mibden. May God continue to bless you in every way! Love ya!
great story kay. your mother and father were always so nice to me. truly great people..know they are looking down on dick with joy. may god bless you, john and dick. jolly holley
Nice I remember Dick always there when we needed something on the court or the football field. He is a great person and Coach Whatley is awesome.
I’m grateful for the influence coach had in my life. He is an awesome Man with a heart big enough to fit all Minden and his players in. Thanks for your patience and time for the class of 1999.
Not only has Ronnie had a relationship with Dick, but there are several young men today that owe Coach Whatley for keeping them on the right track!! I also thank you Ronnie for the influence you had on my son!! It wasn’t only about winning !! I hope that you enjoy your retirement !!
That makes me smile,,, very much so. I have known Dick for many years.
Another great reason to be proud to be from Minden!