BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
John Price, better known to everyone as “JP,” had a vision for the Pines Golf Course in Millbrook. Part of that vision he was able to oversee with multiple projects, such as a state-of-the-art irrigation system, relocating the green for the first hole and planting wildflowers to replace scrub brushes.
This evening those wildflowers were in full bloom, adding color and beauty for a large crowd that gathered to remember his life.
A one-time owner of the golf course, JP was the general manager at the time of his death earlier this year. He was the life blood of the operation, and those who spoke about their friend, and fellow coworker recalled him as a mentor. They say his absence has been felt deeply.
There were no shades of gray when it came to how he handled life or problems. There was only one way to do something, and that was with full motivation and correctly. Nothing was half-hearted, to include his work life, family life, and his loyalty to those he called friend.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out today to honor a gentleman that we all loved and that loved this golf course,” Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley told the large gathering. “JP came to me about five years ago and said ‘Al, we need to cut a bunch of trees down, and do this and that.’ I agreed. I probably didn’t realize until I saw that green today. JP had a vision for that hole. All my experiences with JP, Judy and Earl and Sharon Mills…even when we bought the golf course from them in 2004, have been great. This was JP’s second home. At times you probably believed it was his first home.”
JP often referred to his “Golf Bible” and when asked a question he could call out the answer and back it up with the page number if they wanted to be sure. He had a photographic memory, and a beautiful vision for what The Pines could become.
JP left work his last day on a Thursday afternoon when a new load of sod had been delivered. Before he left, he laid out directions to the crew on exactly what was to be done. Early the next morning the Mayor received the call that JP had passed overnight. “It was the worst phone call…just horrible to find out he was gone,” Mayor Kelley said.
Since that time the city, family and friends have planned a way to remember JP. “Nothing fancy,” Mayor Kelley said. “JP would not have wanted that. We have hamburgers, hot dogs, good music and friends here to speak well of him, who will always love him. But this marker will stay here. He is still with us, and I believe he is watching over the course that he so loved.”
JP’s wife Judy said she has felt so much love in the weeks since his passing, and the support of the staff, city and friends has been a blessing. The family was given JP’s old hat, their own marker memento and then a golf cart ride to see the wildflowers that are on the back of the #1 green that JP envisioned.
While he wasn’t able to see them bloom in person, they are a beautiful tribute to his memory.
Today as they were blooming in fully glory, it is easy to believe JP had the best view in the house. Each Spring will be a reminder that what we thought was dead, is only sleeping.
See more photos of the Celebration of Life and JP’s flowers below.
