Kelly Butler
Kelly Butler lives in Prattville with his wife Beverly. Kelly and Beverly have three adult children and one grandchild. Kelly retired as the State Finance Director in August 2021, following a 36 year career in state government. Prior to serving as Finance Director, Kelly worked for two Governors as the State Budget Officer and for the Alabama Legislature as the Senate Fiscal Officer.
Following his ALS diagnosis in June 2021, Kelly has worked with the ALS Association to help secure funding to increase services for ALS patients and for increased research opportunities in Alabama.
Kelly is the son of the late George W. and Patricia Kelly Butler. Kelly’s mother Patricia and grandmother Agnes Kelly both had ALS. Kelly remembers how his mother graciously and courageously lived and fought her ALS, always remembering and caring for the needs of others more than herself. He strives every day to follow her example.
Looking ahead, Kelly wants to help the doctors and researchers find a cure for ALS so that one day, this becomes a disease that people talk about in the past.
Kerry Goode
Kerry Goode is the 3rd child of Vernell Goode and Clyde Goode Jr. five children. Both his mother and father are former educators. His dad a former coach and principal, his mother a teacher, laid the foundation for Kerry’s love of helping others and his never say die attitude. While Goode’s competitive spirit blossomed through the constant sibling rivalries in the backyard with his sister Valerie and brothers, Chris, Pierre, Clyde and Antonio.
It was at Hazelwood High School in Town Creek, Al where he led the Golden Bears to multiple sports championships. As a one-man participant in the team competition. Kerry finished 3rd in the State Indoor Track & Field Championship as a solo performer. While being named Alabama player of the year in football. He carried the Golden Bears to back-to-back state championships in football.
Goode later took his talents to Tuscaloosa whereas a member of the Crimson Tide football team, he was the 1983 Freshman of the year in the Southeastern Conference. Kerry also served as captain of the Crimson Tide team and voted by his teammates as the teams MVP. His hands and footprints are etched in the Alabama Walk of Fame near Denny Chimes.
Although Kerry's collegiate career was plagued by injuries, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he played for Bucs as well as the Denver Broncos(camp) and Miami Dolphins. After his playing day were done. Kerry remained connected to game while coaching for the New York Giants and the St. Louis Rams as the team’s Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Putting family first, he chose to leave the game he loved to be a hands-on father. While raising children, Goode became one of the top Sales Managers in the country with Ryder Systems. As a top performer he received the Lifetime Achievement Award as the Nation’s top salesman during his 13-year career with the transportation giant.
After being diagnosed ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis)also known as Lou Gehrig disease in 2015, Kerry and his wife Tanja, founded the Goode Foundation which supports ALS patients and their families This involves providing access to needed diagnostic and treatment services, educational resources, and support services for improved quality of life. Kerry and the Goode Foundation is dedicated to Education, Advocacy, and Research.
In addition to educating people about ALS. Kerry takes his fight to Capitol Hill to lobby and educate policymakers so that they are better able to advocate for and sponsor legislation and policies to improve the lives of people with ALS. As if that's not enough, he's committed to raising funding for continuing research to find a cure for ALS.
Kerry Goode is a member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church, where he has served as a Trustee, and a member of the male chorus. He is the father of 5 children.
Frank Orgel
Frank Orgel is a fighter. Admittedly not the most gifted football player, he worked his way onto the Georgia football team in the late 1950s, helping the Bulldogs win the SEC title in 1959.
Following his graduation from Georgia, he went on to play briefly for the Washington Redskins and then served 2 years military service in the 101st Airborne Division, where he continued to play the game he loved. After serving his country, Frank resumed his athletic career playing with the Buffalo Bills.
A serious injury sustained while playing for the Buffalo Bills ended Frank’s playing career but sparked his transformation from player to coach. He began coaching at Thomasville High School and went on to replace legendary Warner Robins High School head football coach Joe Sumrall. Frank willed the team to its first of 23 regional titles. His next move was from high school to college with brief stints at North Alabama, Clemson and South Carolina. He continued, alongside friend and former teammate Pat Dye, as Defensive Coordinator/Linebacker Coach for six years at East Carolina and then another six years at Auburn University. Coming full circle, he spent his final six seasons in college athletics as a Linebacker Coach at his alma mater, University of Georgia, with Ray Goff.
Coach Orgel's ALS is atypical, primarily affecting just one side of his body. While he has been suffering with ALS for over 17 years, he has only known what to call the disease he suffers from for the last 8 years. Frank's atypical form of ALS made diagnosis especially difficult.
In his desire to help others living with ALS, Frank is involved with both The ALS Association and the MDA, raising significant funds to support ALS research.
Still living his best life, Frank stays actively engaged with the Auburn football practices and home games along with spending time with his wife, Sarah, their daughter, son-in-law and grandson. A true inspiration to others, current and former football players are regular visitors at his home, helping him around the house or just stopping by for a chat and a funny story.
