By Gerri Miller
Elmore/Autauga Staff Writer
A Millbrook business that recently closed had been a community icon for more than 50 years.
Millbrook Small Motors Shop closed its doors in September. The company had provided top notch small motor repairs and sales to the Millbrook and surrounding areas since 1967.
Herman “Mac” McDougal founded Millbrook Small Motors after retiring from the Air Force. He and his wife Neta “Mrs. Mac” ran the shop for 30 years until her death in 2001. He continued operating the shop until his death in 2007. Their children, Brenda Lindsey and James McDougal, continued the business.
Lindsey said her father loved the community and the business was his passion. “It was really a thriving business,” she said. Lindsey said that she and her brother really appreciate the patronage and support the community has given them over the years.
The company employed five people. Lindsey said she has a full-time job as the principal of Vaughn Road Elementary School and her brother James is a welder by trade.
“We enjoyed it for a number of years and my parents loved it, but it was time to move on,” she said.
Mayor Al Kelley, who spoke at Mrs. McDougal’s funeral, said he knew the family for many years and the business was a landmark that will be missed.
“They helped me when I had a struggling business starting out and we became friends over the years,” Kelly said.
Chris Thompson, owner of Brookside Funeral Home in Millbrook, was a close friend of the McDougals and said that when he first met them, it was an absolute blessing.
“I met them in 1995 and our friendship was established and continued until their passing,” he said. “I had an account with them from day one of me coming to Millbrook and they did all of my lawn equipment repairs and I purchased all of my equipment from them.
“It is sad to see such a gem of a business in our community close,” he added. “I am very thankful for the McDougals and all that they have meant to me through all the years. Blessings to their children as they carry on in their lives. I will forever remember them and their business and willingness to help me as a young businessman in Millbrook, Alabama.”
Another longtime customer and friend of the McDouglas was Rusty Smith, vice president of First Community Bank in Millbrook. He said that when he moved to Millbrook in 1996, Millbrook Small Motors was one of the first businesses that stood out to him
“Shortly after getting here, I needed to have my lawn mower repairs and used them. The McDougal’s were extremely helpful and repaired my mower as good as new, Smith said. “Millbrook Small Motors was a great place to go and find out what was going on in Millbrook. It will be a business that is missed for sure, as there will be no place in the area to help maintain my lawn equipment.”
