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Southern Oaks owner Brooks dies
Brooks, 74, is remembered as husband, friend.
By JEFF M. HARDISON
jhardison@lakecityreporter.com
Ron Brooks, 74, owner of Southern Oaks Golf Club, died Saturday morning.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Millie. He was born in Providence.
Millie Brooks said her husband was a pilot for Bill Elliott, the race car driver, and he taught Elliott how to fly. Ron worked with the Elliott pit crew for many years as Elliott’s spotter, she said. The spotter is the driver who tells the driver about conditions during
a race.
Golf Course Super-
intendent Doyle Worthington Jr. remembered his employer and friend. He had known Brooks for six years.
“He was a super guy,” Worthington said. “He would do anything you asked of him. I thought of him as my best friend even though he was my
employer.”
Brooks helped Worthington and his wife, Daleann, cope with a period of emotional stress.
“Normally, we would sit on the front porch of the pro shop and have coffee,” Worthington said. “He would always ask my about my twins. They were born a year and a half ago. Their names are Doyle III and Anna-Marie.
“My wife was having some trouble before they were born,” Worthington continued. “He provided a lot of moral support for me ... and for my wife. He was a big crutch for me to deal with that situation.”
Millie Brooks said her late husband thought of Worthington as a son. It was their combined efforts that brought the golf course up to the standard it is today, she said. The Brooks bought the course on
May 21, 2002.
“When we bought the golf course, it was in
dreadful shape,” she said. “He and Doyle (Worthington Sr.) made the place what it is today.”
Millie Brooks said people come from South Florida, where they play on more expensive courses, to play at Southern Oaks Golf Club.
Lorida Cruz, an
employee in the pro shop, knew Brooks for almost
six years.
“Mr. Brooks will be
greatly missed,” she said.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Millie. He was born in Providence.
Millie Brooks said her husband was a pilot for Bill Elliott, the race car driver, and he taught Elliott how to fly. Ron worked with the Elliott pit crew for many years as Elliott’s spotter, she said. The spotter is the driver who tells the driver about conditions during
a race.
Golf Course Super-
intendent Doyle Worthington Jr. remembered his employer and friend. He had known Brooks for six years.
“He was a super guy,” Worthington said. “He would do anything you asked of him. I thought of him as my best friend even though he was my
employer.”
Brooks helped Worthington and his wife, Daleann, cope with a period of emotional stress.
“Normally, we would sit on the front porch of the pro shop and have coffee,” Worthington said. “He would always ask my about my twins. They were born a year and a half ago. Their names are Doyle III and Anna-Marie.
“My wife was having some trouble before they were born,” Worthington continued. “He provided a lot of moral support for me ... and for my wife. He was a big crutch for me to deal with that situation.”
Millie Brooks said her late husband thought of Worthington as a son. It was their combined efforts that brought the golf course up to the standard it is today, she said. The Brooks bought the course on
May 21, 2002.
“When we bought the golf course, it was in
dreadful shape,” she said. “He and Doyle (Worthington Sr.) made the place what it is today.”
Millie Brooks said people come from South Florida, where they play on more expensive courses, to play at Southern Oaks Golf Club.
Lorida Cruz, an
employee in the pro shop, knew Brooks for almost
six years.
“Mr. Brooks will be
greatly missed,” she said.
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| For old times’ sake |
