Bear Bryant Had a Heart for Orphans

by Larry R. Putman
(12030 hwy 188 Grand Bay, Alabama)

I met Bear Braynt around 1962. Mr. Bryant always had time for boys and girls who had no home. He sent a bus to Mobile, Alabama where I was in a home called Wilmer Hall for boys and girls.

Mr Bryant let us watch spring practice. After practice he gave us a talk. Also before spring practice, he took all of us to dinner. I watch him climb his tower, which was a great moment for me.

Comments for Bear Bryant Had a Heart for Orphans

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

May 15, 2011
Rating

Great memory of The Bear
by: Anonymous

Thanks for sharing, Larry. I met you yesterday at the Bass Pro in Hampton, Va. Roll Tide!

Aug 07, 2011
Rating

Boys and girls of Wilmer Hall, Mobile, alabama
by: Larry R. Putman

The reason I am a Alabama football fan. I was raised at Wilmer Hall, a home for boys and grils who had no home, in Mobile Alabama. Bear Bryant sent a bus to Mobile to get us. We went to Alabama spring football practice. Coach Bryant gave us all dinner, and then took us to the prictice field. We watch him climb his tower to start practice. After practice coach Bryant came down his tower and had the football players talk to us. Coach Bryant ask us if we would play football for him at Alabama one day. I would give anything to take the boy I am help raising to a Alabama game and meet coach Sabin.

Larry R. Putman
Grand Bay, Alabama cell 228-366-7541

Jun 13, 2013
Rating

Roll Tide.....Roll
by: richard Barrow

The Bear did not send a bus for me, however, I lived at Wilmer Hall for around 10 years, give or take a month or two. I have been a die hard Crimson Tide fan for more years than I can remember. I jump for joy at every win and cry Crimson at a loss. There will never be another Bear, No....not even Nick. However, we love him also.I love Wilmer Hall almost as much as I love the Tide and the memory of the Bear. I have so many fond memories of Ms. Harrell and Mr Bill Hannon and many others to numerous to mention that directed us kids at Wilmer Hall......and who could ever forget Mr Edwin Brubage or Ms Maw Ford, what good food they did cook. God Bless Them All. I loved Wilmer Hall so much that I wrote a book titled simply "Wilmer Hall". The next one may be about the Crimson Tide and the Bear. Roll tide....

Jul 31, 2013
Rating

Bear Bryant and orphans
by: larry R. Putman

just wanted to thank Richard Barrow for his message about bear Bryant an wilmer hall in Mobile, Alabama. I was at wilmer hall from 1961 through 1970. would like to get your phone number.would like to get a copy of your book. 228-369-6446

Sep 20, 2013
Rating

Alabama Football
by: Larry R. Putman

I have been a Alabama football fan for 53 years. I never had a mother or father to spend time with, so got to see Bear Bryant around 1961. Bear Bryant was a great leader. He took young boys and made men out of them. He always said, never give up on anything you do in life.

Mar 13, 2014
Rating

Thanks to both Larry and Richard for sharing
by: Ray (Bud) Snowden

My sister (Cindy) and I lived at Wilmer Hall between 1960-1963 before an Aunt and Uncle in Indiana took us in. Larry, I remember you well during those years... I did not make the trip to see Bear Bryant and spring practice, but have many great memories of Wilmer Hall and the people there... and Richard, I did read your book and it brought back a lot of memories! It was really good and I enjoyed reading it... My best to both of you..... Bud Snowden

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Bear Bryant Story.

SEC Sports Fan -- "The Best Fans in the World" Not affiliated with the Southeastern Conference Thanks for supporting this site by purchasing high quality fan products from the sponsors we link to Click Here for AWESOME Sports Fan Products Click to view our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Top of this Page

+1 SEC Sports Fan

Follow @secsportsfan