Small Town Famous Meet Rick Story

By Tracy McCoy

When I think of the people I know who left Rabun County in search of a career after graduating from Rabun County High School and went on to do great things… Rick Story comes to mind. To understand the story I will share with you in this issue, you have to know that Rick follows God’s lead having put his life in His hands as a child. His decisions are rarely made without first talking to the Lord. This will explain a lot.

Vice President of the RCHS Class of 1984, we all knew he would go on to be a success. With that winning smile and 4.0 grade point average, how could he not do great things? Easily accepted into the University of Georgia in Athens, Rick began his college career but soon found out that the “encouragement” of his high school teachers did not follow him into college. UGA was a drastic change from his small hometown high school. Under the recommendation of his parents he transferred to Young Harris college, and looking back Rick says it was one of the best decisions in his life. He graduated with an AA in Liberal Arts and proceeded to University of West Georgia in Carrolton where he earned a BBA in Marketing. He dreamed of working for Coca-Cola here in his home state but God had a different path for him.

Rick recalls feeling drawn to politics. Questioning God if this was part of His plan for him, doors seemed to open up one after another. Politics was never his intention but turned out to be where God was leading him. An opening for a Legislative Specialist and Lobbyist for Georgia Farm Bureau Federation and Rick was hired. He stayed a year in this position before he landed a position as Congressional Aide and Scheduler for then House Speaker Newt Gingrich. In 1995 Rick became Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Nathan Deal. He remained in Congressman Deal’s office for five years.

Rick left politics behind for a few years when the opportunity came for him to go to work for Samaritan’s Purse, a charitable organization founded by Franklin Graham. When his father, and America’s Pastor, Billy Graham had a doctors appointment at Mayo Clinic, while Franklin was out of the country, it was Rick he asked to escort his dad to Minnesota. What was to be a routine doctor’s appointment turned into emergency surgery. Rick stayed by Billy’s side through all of it even reading the Pastor’s Bible to him at his request. “I was so honored to be holding his Bible in my hands and reading to him.” The two got to know each other during this trip and a bond was formed. A couple weeks after they returned home, Franklin called asking Rick to come for dinner with his parents at The Cove. He was thrilled and he and Ruth Graham talked all through dinner and after, while

Billy remained mostly quiet. The following week he got a call to come to Franklin’s office and it sounded serious. He was sure he was going to be fired. What was about to be offered to Rick was the opportunity of a lifetime.

Billy and Ruth Graham were so taken with Rick that Reverend Graham wanted to hire Rick to be his personal assistant, however, that did mean he’d have to walk away from Samaritan’s Purse. He accepted the offer and that he says was the best position of his career. He spent time serving Billy Graham and working by his side until his retirement in the later part of 2005. “He was a great man and always the same, whether at a crusade or sitting on the porch of his Montreat home. I respected him so much and cared for him like family”, Rick stated. I asked him with such an impressive career which position was his favorite and without hesitation, he smiled and said “Working for Mr. Graham.”

It was after Billy Graham’s retirement that Rick returned to politics. Having proved to be a valued member of Congressman Deal’s office, when the Congressman made the announcement that he would run for Governor of Georgia in 2010, Rick was by his side. He helped Nathan Deal win the Governorship of Georgia, working for him until 2011 serving in many capacities. Essentially Rick has worked with every senior executive official in the state of Georgia. To this day he is a trusted advisor and friend of the former Governor.

He went to work for FrogueClark LLC as a lobbyist before moving on to a position with University of Georgia through Habersham Archway connecting the Habersham community to UGA higher education resources. Next on Rick’s path was a job as Vice-President of Economic Development for North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville. When an opening came available as Director of Development for Rabun County, Georgia in 2018, he applied. He was hired and I cannot possibly stress enough how fortunate our county is to have Rick Story working on our behalf. His vast marketing experience, connections and stellar reputation are an asset to Forward Rabun. Rick guides the daily activities of the Development Authority, the Tourism Authority and the Welcome Center for Rabun County, Georgia. Forward Rabun is the umbrella under which these three entities operate and Rick is at the helm. With a great attitude, an intense drive and the ability to work with people from all backgrounds he leads. Promoting and marketing the county that he has always called home is an honor for him and he is extremely gifted at it.

Last year life threw Rick Story a curve-ball. He noticed blood in his urine and thought he must have a UTI so he contacted his PCP, Dr. Ed Frederickson who was somewhat alarmed and immediately referred Rick to a colleague who was the head of urological oncology at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. After a series of tests it was determined that Rick had a tumor on his bladder and it was malignant. He was somewhat comforted to know that there were options. Rick opted for a procedure that administers the Chemo meds directly into the bladder. Rick learned two key things that helped him through this difficult time. One is to establish clear communication with your medical team from your PCP to your Specialists. Secondly, you have to learn to lean on others and that was a challenge for this fiercely independent gentleman. “I always wanted to be the guy that others leaned on, so being on the other end of things was very challenging.” As is the way in Rabun, while he recuperated at home, many brought food, dropped in to check on him and offered to help. Their kindness was appreciated by Rick and his family.

Recovery was tough and there were some days when he questioned if he could make it through but he knew where to turn. “I played worship music, read my Bible and did an abundance of praying through those difficult times. I had an allergic reaction to pain medication but when the pain was excruciating, listening to hymns honestly took the pain away. When I first heard the word cancer I felt as if I’d been punched in the gut. I did my best to put my faith in God and trust that He would never leave my side, it is His promise and I could feel the prayers of so many. I tried to keep a great attitude and stay positive which is so important. I watched a lot of I Love Lucy and Andy Griffith and staying in close contact with friends. I remember laying on Sunday morning hearing the church bells ring and wishing I could be there.

I drew on my faith throughout my recovery.” Rick shared. I have been back to Piedmont for followups since the tumor was removed to check for recurrence or any issues and I am happy to report that after a long hard journey, at this point Rick is cancer-free. He will stay in touch with his medical team and stay on top of exams and making sure he lives as healthy a life as he can. It took a full year for Rick to feel normal after the cancer scare but today he is doing great.

When I asked what he does when he isn’t working he said he has discovered hiking and has visited places in Rabun that he has never been even though he basically has lived here most of his life. He works out at YourTime Fitness with Dolly Ramey who keeps him in shape. A great diet and exercise are part of his post-cancer protocol and he is dedicated to follow it to the letter. He spends a great deal of time in God’s Word studying to teach his Senior Adult Sunday School class at Clayton Baptist Church where he has been a member since he was a child. For years he worked with CBC youth and ran a small group. He says he is challenged in this new position teaching so many that he feels are much wiser than he is. “I think I learn as much from them as they learn from me.”

Rick told me, “God has been really good to me, beyond what I deserve. My community has been there for me and supported and shaped me in various ways my entire life and it is an honor to give back as best I can. Through Forward Rabun we hope to increase tourism, promote local businesses and bring businesses to this area increasing jobs. I am thankful for this position, the incredible people who work alongside me and who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting along the way.”

I am so blessed to call Rick Story my friend and to have the opportunity to let you know just how amazing he is.