February Lunch & Learn

Speaker: David Pursell

The third child and second son of Jimmy and Chris Pursell, David, was born on April 2, 1959 in Sylacauga. David’s childhood centered on school and sports and, of course, the Parker Fertilizer Company. David officially started working for the company when he was 12 years old, shoveling cottonseed in the warehouse.

After graduating from high school, David studied commercial art at Auburn University and met his wife, Ellen Shipman. Using his creative skills and commercial art training, he became the in-house advertising agency for the family’s fertilizer company. Later, David became Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Pursell Industries, and when the company split in 1997, David assumed the role as President and CEO of Pursell Technologies.

In 2001, David initiated the construction of his long-time vision to create a research and demonstration golf course intended to improve the golf industry through its ability to serve as a living laboratory for industry leaders. On June 4, 2003, the vision came to fruition as 550 guests, including family friend, Jim Nabors, and Governor Bob Riley, celebrated the official opening of the 7,444-yard, par-72 Hurdzan-Fry designed course, FarmLinks.

David currently serves as CEO of Pursell Farms. He is also an accomplished artist and well-known for his pencil portraits of distinguished golfers.

David and Ellen Pursell have six children: Peggy Pursell Rice (1983) husband Garry Rice III, Vaughan Pursell Spanjer (1984) husband Tim Spanjer, Chrissy Pursell Adolf (1987) husband Alex Adolf, Ramsey Pursell Nuss (1988) husband Andrew Nuss and twins, Martin and Parker (1990). Parker is married to Lauren Wright Pursell.