Laurie Pike:
CLASS OF 1971
Naples High SchoolClass of 1971
Naples, FL
University of South FloridaClass of 1975
Temple terrace, FL
Naples Junior High SchoolClass of 1968
Naples, FL
Shadowlawn Elementary SchoolClass of 1965
Naples, FL
Laurie's Story
The "NOW" photo of my sons and me was taken in May, 2007 at the wedding of my neice Emily, on the beach in St Augustine, Fl.
The "THEN" photo is my engagement announcemnt picture from The Naples Daily News in 1971.
Funny, I don't feel much different now than I did then...
I was born in Memphis, Tn. (it's rumored that Dad went to school w/Elvis) but, Dad moved the family to Naples to start his construction business when I was just 3 months old. I attended Shadowlawn Elementary, Naples Jr Hi & Naples Sr Hi (as they were then called).
After graduation, I attended U of S Fla. in Tampa for a year, but dropped out to marry a Sr. Music Major, who was then drafted into the Army. We moved to Atlanta where he was stationed w/the 3rd Army Band. 6 yrs into the marriage we had our 1st son John, and 3 yrs later, our second son, Ian. After 10 yrs of marriage we divorced, but maintained a good relationship for the boys - Don was, and is, a Great Dad!
In 1989 I married again for what I thought was forever - too bad my husband didn't see it that way. In 1997, I had no choice but to file for divorce. Sadly, this was the same day that my father died.
My sons are 28 & 31 now and are really great kids! Both have good jobs and nice girlfriends but, no wedding plans as of yet. Believe me, I CAN wait for that - I'm sure I'll love them, but I'm way too young at heart to be a grandmother at this stage of the game!
I live in Atlanta/Marietta in a house on a pond, where I've lived for the past 20 years. I have a great "9-5" job as an Executive Assistant to the CFO of a Real Estate Development firm: (Oxford-Properties dot com), and an exciting part-time job as an Event Manager for a major caterer. You can get an idea of what we do there at: (Affairs dot com) . One of my past employers had the motto: "work hard, play hard" I think that fits me!
I'm still pretty much the same "girl next door" that I've always been. Life's had its ups and downs but, I still find lots to smile about. I've had a couple of long-term relationships since my divorce but, not dating anyone special at present. I'm not looking for marriage but, am not soured on the institution either.
I still love all genres of music and the arts. I go to concerts ...Expand for more
and out to hear live music frequently. In the past few months I've seen: Nine Inch Nails, Jane's Addiction, George Clinton and Parlaiment Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox and recently took my son to see Van Halen. Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth still rock the house! I also subscribe to the Atlanta Ballet and to the The High Museum of Art. I'm in a Wine Club and, for you gals out there, a "Shoe Club". What fun! We go to a bar, have a cocktail and admire each other's shoes! (I know you guys just don't get this but, that's OK; we must preserve some of our womanly mysteries.)
My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and now lives with me but, my sisters and I are reluctant to sell the home in Naples that my father built for her with his own hands, where I lived from the age of 5 'til I left home at 18. My oldest sister Rachel (Naples Hi class of '63) lives in Naples; as does my only nephew with his sweet wife of 20 some odd years, and their 3 adopted daughters. Both my nephew Tony Hamm, and his wife Beth, have raced in past Swamp Buggy Races. If you're a fan, look out for my nephew's buggy, The Cold Duck!
Naples is still "home" to me. I love to stay at The Beach Club when I visit, and am compelled to walk down The Pier and cruise 5th Ave, 3rd St and Gordon Drive (with the windows down). These places are still ripe with so many treasured memories of my teenage years.
I've attended every class of '71 reunion & look forward to the next one!
My younger sister (Martha Joye) "Babe" (Lely '79) lives in Auburn, Al. with her husband, AU alum Garry, 3 cats, and her Harley: "Marley".
My other, older, sister (Elizabeth) Ann, (Naples Hi '65) lives in Chattanooga with her husband Mickey. Between them, Ann and Mickey have a myriad of kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. (better them than me!) - It's nice to have 2 of my sisters so close; now if we could just get Rachel to move up this way...
If any of my High school friends are ever in Atlanta, please look me up! I'm in the phone book and have had the same number for 20 years.
I hope one day to retire to Naples or to Key West where I plan to own a Bed & Breakfast or a neighborhood pub - until then, I'll be right here in good old "Hotlanta" GA...
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