Yesterday was not just another hot, summer day. It was a day that made me reflect on my hometown or Richmond.
As many of you know, my family has been attending the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street since August 1970. This summer, the Richmond First Presbyterian Church will celebrate turning 197 years-old.
Yesterday, a Celebration of Life service was held for Dr. Ralph Thompson. Many active and alumni of the EKU Phi Delta Theta Fraternity were in attendance to support their first faculty sponsor. Several members of the fraternity and a few alumni spoke about how Ralph made a difference in their lives.
Ralph grew up in Greenville, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas in 1963 with a physics and chemistry degree. After a two-year postdoctoral research position at Indiana University, Ralph joined the faculty at Eastern Kentucky University and mentored many students and Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers. From my seat in the pew Saturday, it was very gratifying to see so many Phi Delta Theta members come to support Ralph’s children, Eric and Karen, and their families.
Just driving around town after the service, I turned into the Arlington parking lot to go welcome Jimmy Masters back to town. However, I found him walking through the parking lot and rolled down my car window to say hello.
After greeting each other, I asked Jimmy how he was doing as the Golf Professional at the University Club at Arlington. He replied, “It’s good to be home.” We exchanged pleasantries and discussed his background.
Jimmy reminded me that his first in the golf industry was at the Mount Sterling Country Club as an assistant. Next, Jimmy was the Golf Professional at Lexington Country Club. Then, Jimmy worked for the Schneider family as the Head Golf Professional at Spring Lake Golf Course. After Spring Lake, Jimmy moved to the University Club of Kentucky and worked for Danny McQueen.
Thankful, Jimmy has come full circle and has found his home at the University Club at Arlington. Jimmy is married to Elizabeth Barr, another ole friend, and they have a daughter, Sarah. Welcome home to the Masters!
