The Road Less Traveled is Made of Dirt.
The Big South has produced its share of legendary figures throughout the last 300 years.
Ordinary people who did extraordinary things.
We at Big South Beer Co. celebrate these heroes who were dedicated to our American values of faith, family, and freedom. These are their stories of honor and sacrifice.
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was a pioneer in developing consumer products from agricultural commodities. In a time when Southern farmers had few profitable alternatives to growing cotton and nutrition was lacking in people’s diets, this botanist/inventor answered the call to improve people’s lives. He is best known for his work with peanuts and sweet potatoes, but he also researched countless uses for other crops to benefit society. His work improved the environment by promoting crop rotation to diversify farming operations and helped usher in a new era of crop production.
Carver worked tirelessly in his laboratory in Tuskegee, AL developing new products and recipes. During his long tenure at the Tuskegee Institute, he taught farming techniques for self-sufficiency to generations of students as he became an icon in the agriculture world. He was also a dedicated Christian and led Bible class on Sundays for his students at their request. He compiled a list of 8 cardinal virtues for his students to strive towards. They are still relevant today:
1. Be clean inside and out.
2. Neither look up to the rich nor down on the poor.
3. Lose, if need be, without squealing.
4. Win without bragging.
5. Always be considerate of women, children, and older people.
6. Be too brave to lie.
7. Be too generous to cheat.
8. Take your share of the world and let others take theirs.
George never forgot his humble beginnings as a young boy born into slavery near Diamond, Missouri. He exemplified the endless possibilities a person can achieve by working hard and overcoming difficulties. He was quick to share his vast knowledge and experience with anyone as he encouraged countless people to pursue their goals. On his tombstone is written, “He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.” George Washington Carver cemented his place in American history as a result of his humble, yet very influential life. He is an ideal role model for everyone in today’s crazy world. He showed us all how to truly keep it simple and keep it REAL. We celebrate him and his contributions to our Big South way of life that helped build this great nation.
With Big Hearts and Big Dreams, They Worked to Keep the Wolves Away.
The 11 Men of The Deepwater Horizon
On April 20, 2010 workers on the oil rig Deepwater Horizon were putting in long hours in a respected profession that is critical to everyday life. These men were just regular guys doing what had to be done. They were hunters, fishermen, sports enthusiasts. Family men. This fateful day would be the last day on earth for 11 of them.
When the accident occurred, these guys seemed to be overshadowed by the oil spill itself and the environmental impact. Blair Manuel’s mother said it best, “It’s not that I’m insensitive to animals or anything else. This is just a time where I don’t want to see a bird on TV being cleaned by Dawn detergent when my son is not there.” The story of the tragedy will be remembered best by these men’s loved ones, but their way of life will carry on in the Big South. These 11 men are true heroes and a few words of remembrance on this simple website are inadequate expressions for the magnitude of their diligence, work ethic, and sacrifice.
Big South Beer celebrates these courageous men, and we are proud of all oil workers throughout America. Their commitment is an example to all of us. We will not forget them because we all carry a part of society on our shoulders. No one knew this fact better than the 11 Southern men who gave their lives on the Deepwater Horizon that day.
1. Dewey Revette Chief driller on the Deepwater Horizon. A respected leader and a “nut for Jeeps.” 2 grandsons born after the disaster are named for him.
2. Gordon Jones Universally liked. Enjoyed golfing and spending time with his son. “The glue that bound the family together.”
3. Stephen Curtis U.S. Marine veteran. Loved NASCAR. Expert turkey caller. “Everyone wore camouflage to his memorial service.”
4. Shane Roshto Gave his wife a deer stand for a wedding gift because that is what she asked for. Written under his hard hat were the dates of his wedding and his son’s birthday.
5. Karl Kleppinger Jr. U.S. Army veteran. Enjoyed cooking BBQ. “The type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.”
6. Adam Weise Star football player in high school. Loved hunting, 4x4 trucks, and his mama.
7. Donald Clark Former soybean farmer. “A family man and a real good asset to the community he loved.”
8. Jason Anderson Loved his co-workers as family. “His efforts to control the pressure surge during the accident saved other’s lives.”
9. Roy Kemp At age 3, he survived a bite from a water moccasin. Listened to audio sermons while working on the rig. “A man who loved the Lord.”
10. Blair Manuel Loved LSU football and the outdoors. Kind hearted. Went to work faithfully without worry or concern.
11. Dale Burkeen Avid deer hunter and fisherman. Known as “Big D.” The kind of guy who put others first.
Tell us about YOUR hero
Email their story to jim@bigsouthbeer.com
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