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Tracy Priest Obituary

MOBILE Tracy J. Priest Jr., age 64, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, in Mobile, where he was working as an insurance adjustor.

No obit will do proper homage. He had many large lives and developed a wide circle of friends – in California where he was raised and played guitar in early roots music groups, and in Tuscaloosa, Nashville, Tenn., Birmingham, Mobile, and Savannah, Ga. He was equal parts puckish and perspicacious.

Despite finishing undergraduate school at the University of Alabama in only eleven years, he still managed to earn a 2-point something GPA, all while holding down a rewarding social life and various entrepreneurial endeavors. While his politics were unexpectedly conservative and his affiliation with Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity quite successfully cemented, he became a leading student activist during the troubles of the 1960s.

Tracy was a lifelong entrepreneur. He founded Southern Woodcraft and Storyville restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Bon Temps clothing line, and World Winds retail stores. He also dabbled in breeding and trading Tennessee walking horses, which, he learned the hard way, was not a suitable calling. As a businessman he put people first and never compromised his integrity. He combined hard work and Rabelaisian excess, and believed any good idea could be made better, more fun and more inclusive.

A raconteur, political scientist and a student of obscure and piquant vocabulary, he loved good food, drink, music, theater, salt, bourbon and smokes. He was of barrel chest, and capable throughout his life of peeing a quart, but his best health was always of his spirit. His family history is checkered, unless one counts his large family of friends and admirers.

A memorial will be held at the Tybee Arts Center Sunday, December 4, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please treat yourself to a bottle of Dickel and meditate on the promise and evanescence of life. RIP Trace, and thank you.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tuscaloosa News on Nov. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Tracy Priest

Not sure what to say?





March

November 15, 2024

Still think of you often & missing you
March

Penelope Palmer

May 5, 2024

I just discovered our relationship and this obituary. It is a wonderful obituary, that helped me get to know a little about my cousin. But the comments tell me that this is a cousin I would have loved to have gotten to know. You were a very loved man by many and influenced many with your desire to live life to the fullest.

Barbara Dorman Jones

November 15, 2022

Rarely does a day go by when I don't think of Tracy, or recall a special memory. Still miss you, Trace, and always will. You were sui generis and a joy giver. No one like you.

Mike Ward

October 19, 2022

Just now seeing this, in 2022. I worked for Tracy at Storyville as a bartender and bar manager while I was in school. Those were some of the most fun times in my life. Tracy's zest for life, his fabulous collection of friends and flat-out entrepreneurial devotion, made him a joy to be around. Sorry to hear that he passed so young. I would love to know the story of the years between 1983, when I last say him and 2011. Sounds like it was quite a ride!

Janet

October 6, 2021

I met Tracy when I was a regular at Storyville. He was the only person I had met at that young age who loved jazz as much as I did. RIP Tracy, you were one of a kind. Attached is a copy of the Storyville music "menu" that I lifted about 50 years ago.

Nick Kizziah

April 10, 2020

Tracy gave me my first job out of High School. He and Bob Logan were starting a new business out of his garage. I was the first employee of Southern Woodcraft. He let me set my own hours. I could come and go as I pleased. Future employees would have to punch the clock and be dependable. However that was not the case with me. Thanks Tracy. You were one of a kind. God destroyed the mold when he made you. Lot's of good memories.

Thomas Pike

September 13, 2012

Tracy and I went to 5th grade @ Holy Angels in Arcadia, and 11/12 grade at LSHS. Bought my 1st guitar from him. Last saw him at John Maitino's house post reunion party. Great kid, good man. Thom Pike LS '65.

August 27, 2012

Tracy, a great guy, always kind, even to those who didn't deserve it.
Jeff Nunan

February 5, 2012

Tracy, we never had the good fortune of your company in life, but reading about you has brought a smile to a few brothers' faces, and a toast to your spirit and humor. To you, and your journey in Ralelais "Great Perhaps."
- "Friends From The Heart Forever" Sigma Tau of DKE

Robert Raiford

January 24, 2012

I was working at Dahlke Volkswagen in Tuscaloosa in 1966 when I first set eyes on Tracy.....had his bus worked on and we chatted. I was just out of Alabama waiting to be drafted. We became fast friends and spent many weekends skiing at Yellow Creek with Pete Cavert and others. We played many a hand of Hearts for big money....perhaps pots as big as $5.00....but is was big for us. I learned to cook a tostado from Tracy and Paula and still cook it today and forever remember the good times together. It was at Yellow Creek that Tracy and I were first introduced to George Dickel....we'd always tie the boat at the "island" to picnic and often there were 3 or 4 boats and we all partied together. We skiied up and town the creek....big as a river with high bluffs on either side. As beautiful site one could imagine. Scattered along the creek bank were cabins mostly weekend retreats for Tuscaloosa folks....and that particular day we stopped at Bobby Cork's cabin. Ever the perfect host, Bobby owned a 7-11 type grocery store I believe down near Moundville, he always offered up something to drink....we were still drinking the cheapest anything we could find....we were all poor. Bobby brought out the Dickel and said, this is the best and the rest is history....I, too, still drink George Dickel Black Label.....I moved to Birmingham in 1970 and lost contact with Tracy until I saw him on my way home on Valley Street in Hoover.....I stopped, we chatted, invited him to a Christmas party.....he called later to say he couldn't come, that he was sick. I know that to be true, because Tracy would never miss a party. That's the last time I saw or talked to him but the memories of the time with Tracy and Paula were priceless and I'll always cherish them. If anyone does know where the boys and Paula could be contacted, please let me [email protected]. RIP Tracy! You were a great friend.

December 21, 2011

Wow I was hoping to fun with Tracy one more time! -- Willis

Tracy (in April this year)

Ed short

December 6, 2011

December 5, 2011

I met Tracy in the summer of 1962. The Kid was a very close friend and although miles and time had separated us, I have always kept him in my heart with some wonderful memories. I'm going to have a terrible time trying to find some Dickel, but I know you know Tracy that, as always, “I love you bigger than the sky”.

Lauren, Nemours, France

David Kennelly

December 4, 2011

Sorry for the correction Frank...but the first band was was "Uncle Willy's North Carolina's Horse Hair Pullers and Chicken Pluckers" !!!

December 4, 2011

I never thought of Tracy without thinking of "The Ginger Man"'s Sebastian Dangerfield.His understanding of the underlying silliness of life and his enthusiasm to exploit it, made him a joy to his friends. I last saw him in Alabama when I was on tour with Desert Rose, and coerced them to drop me off in the loving care of Priest and Halliday...the rest is a pleasant blur......Rest Easy Pal....Bill Bryson

Deb Oden

December 4, 2011

I loved you the first time I met you. I knew you had a rapier wit and a strong constitution for love.

Frank Sullivan

December 4, 2011

My very first band had
Tracy Playing string bass. He did not know how to play bass but that didn't stop us. The Indestructible Old Time String Band consisted of Tracy on bass,
Tom Haladay on Mandolin, David Kennelly
on guitar, Bill Bryson on fiddle and
Frank Sullivan on banjo. What's left of the band still keeps in touch. I guess we just thought we were indestructible.
We will all miss you.

Deb Oden

December 3, 2011

I loved you the moment I met you. I knew you had a rapier wit and a strong constitution for love.

David Kennelly

December 3, 2011

I've known Tracy since 1961 when he, Tom Halladay and I were Freshmen at LaSalle High School in Pasadena, CA. To Frank Brower: after our graduation, Tracy Sr. sent Tracy by bus to Tuscaloosa to "look at" the UofA campus. On this visit, he unexpectadly found found himself in the hallway of the Admin. Bldg. being given a physical by Dr. Brower, your father, and, suddenly, was enrolled. Next, he was a legacy DEKE with the "Brothers" not quite knowing what to think of this unconventional, witty, charming and irascible loon. They dismissed this quandry with "well, he's from California, you know." For 50 years, Tracy has been my pal and confidante. We endlessly debated politics and life, and he introduced me to such literary treasures as "A Confederacy of Dunces". In years past I'd joined Tracy and his "cadre" for numerous adventures and outrageous revelries at such venues as Storyville, New Orleans, Trinidad and Savannah (from several of which I am still recovering). Damn, it was fun. I'll miss you my friend. I'm on my way to pick up a bottle of George Dickel No. 12. Laissez le bon temps rouleau !!!

Ed Short

December 3, 2011

Tracy-“thanks for the memories” I will miss you!!

47 years of being friends.(the movies American Grafitti and Animal House come to mine)
64 to 65-incredible amounts of beer,occasional bourbon,always got the best looking gal,Parker got the
worst,best knock poker player next to me,won all political debates,went to Alabama and graduated with a degree in religion?Started a restaurant named “storyville”good food,gourmet music(by Tom Halladay),attended several La Salle reunions,always stayed at Dave's when in town and see friends and family,married again adding two girls,started a very successful retail business with several outlets in southest.I was able to visit his home in Birmingham in 2000 went on a four day “road trip” to New Orleans with “the kid”,one of the best times I ever had.He never had a pretentious bone in his body, a voracious reader,he was his “own man”.

God Bless Ya

Ed Short
(alias “buckets”)

Sandra Gerhardt

December 3, 2011

May your memory be blessed Tracy. You have left this old world a little brighter. God must have smiled the day that you were born!

Rose Marie Gelert

December 1, 2011

I always looked forward to Cousin Tracy coming into town, I just knew I was going to be laughing a lot! What a keen sense of humor! He never seized to amaze me with his ever changing endeavors and shenanigans! What a free spirit and gentle soul.

Godspeed Cousin, and kiss my Joanie for me.

Love~
Marie Gelert

Frank Brower

November 30, 2011

Tracy, or Little Tracy as we knew him then, spent a good bit of time at our house in Birmingham in the late 60's and early 70's. His father and my father were close friends, so we were sort of a home away from home for him at the time. I was only 10 or so the last time I saw him, but I've always remembered him fondly. I've heard mention of him over the years, and always thought I should try to get in touch with him. I regret that I never did. Rest in Peace, Little Tracy, and by the way, that's the best damned obituary I've ever read.

Lewis Fitts

November 30, 2011

Rest old friend rest, your soul lives within us all. We miss as we remiss the times we could not be there or you with us. Let us tell the story untold you cannot or could not tell to your children and their children; how you love them and could love them if they were there or you were here.

The depth of heart under the flamboyance of intellect and talent unmatched; you had to be there, you had to be there! The determination to find and finish more because it existed and we existed bound by friendship. War and Peace, Moby Dick and the Street Car Named Desire all authored by authors without you present, if they had known you, what books or plays would they have written?

Rest old friend rest, for we can reflect for you by what you have givin us and our regrets can succumb to the eyes of your smile.

November 30, 2011

If It were not for Tracy Priest I would not have been a retailer

Amy Sharp

November 30, 2011

If It were not for Tracy Priest I would not have been a retailer

David Martin

November 30, 2011

I never knew Tracy either, but his obituary has certainly gone viral, as has his legend. My condolences to those who mourn his passing and my congratulations for having known him at all.

Joshua McCook

November 29, 2011

What struck me about Tracy is that he was such a nice guy and the hardest of workers. I first met Tracy in 2011 working as an outside insurance adjuster in Huntsville, AL. We then connected again working inside claims in Mobile, AL. It is now apparent why I was so fond of Tracy. After reading his obituary it appears that we are much alike. Tracy was a nomad... a sort of vagabond that enjoyed the diversity of life. A man with a plethora of skills to take on any task or adventure. There are times in life when facing failure is inevitable. However, it grinds the toughness of a man to taste the dirt in life and get up... move on... and chase down anther challenge. Let the good moments of Tracy's life shine as an inspiration to embrace friends, work hard, and always get back up when life knocks you down. RIP

Lynn Tobola

November 29, 2011

I first met Tracy when he opened the Orient Express in the two houses that eventually became one and the infamous Storyville restaurant. He was selling "treasures from the far east". He bought me a sewing machine and I perched myself on the second floor of the house to the left and sewed tunics and kaftans for the local hippies. When Storyville opened, I was the 2nd 'chef' guided by Tracy's knowledge of how to tell when a steak is done. On opening night, as soon as the clock struck 6pm he shouted, "We're open for business!" and I immediately sliced off the tip of my finger preparing tortilla chips. He ran me over to the sink, told me to close my eyes, he looked and said, "This girl needs to go to the emergency room." Never batted an eye that one cook and one kitchen assistant [I want to say it was Brian] left to get my finger reattached that first night. It was a full house. I returned to an empty bar, in tears becasue I just knew I had disappointed him. First thing he said after checking out my hand was, "Well, tomorrow night you'll just have to do something else until your hand heals up." Needless to say, with Tracy at the helm, work was a party. I was never sure who was having more fun, the folks on the patio or us in the kitchen. I can recall only one time seeing him sitting down. Always on the move. That slight grin and sparkley eyes will remain in my heart. Here's to the secret that we kept. I know you never told a soul. Bless you. I expect that the Aurora Borealis shows will better than ever now if Tracy has anything to do with it.
--Lynn Tobola

Catherine

November 29, 2011

Never knew him. However, I did know a kindred spirit in my sister who left me way too early as well. Given his obit, I'm sure he has met my sister and together they have given the angels something new to sing and laugh about. Whoever wrote the obit - great job!!!

Ginny Flaherty

November 29, 2011

My friendship with Tracy was the newest of all and sadly over in a heartbeat.
That week this past June in Nag's Head was a gift on so many levels. I was so happy to be included in the Bowden clan but now I see that I also got to know a most remarkable human being.
We had a special moment one afternoon on a cataraman. As my luck would have it I was the only other person on board. After a 5 second lesson Tracy let (made) me sail the boat for the entire afternoon. This worked out perfectly for him. He was able to drink his Bloody Mary, lounge in the sun and enjoy some of my new sailing skills or lack there of. We had many laughs that day, some near misses, wonderful Osprey sightings and a true enjoyment in each other's company. It was also the birth of a real friendship.
This past Thanksgiving I gave thanks for the true blessing of knowing the incredible Tracy Priest.

David Brown

November 28, 2011

What a terrible, saddening shock. I knew him mostly during the Storyville days, when he turned that notoriously cursed location into the place everybody wanted to be in Tuscaloosa. He made it a wonderful party, and worked like a Trojan to keep it so. A magnetic man. And a magnanimous one. I saw him transform the lives of many who worked for him. A loyal, caring, rock-solid friend. I remember him saying more than once that he wasn't interested in doing anything that wasn't fun, and he made life more fun for everyone who knew him. He had a real gift for it.

Beth

November 28, 2011

After hearing about Tracy for many years I finally met him about 6 years ago when he arrived back in T-Town for a short time before moving on to Louisiana. I immediately became enamored by his humor and intelligence and have often hoped that he would return. No doubt that he will be missed by many.

David Golightly

November 28, 2011

My sincere regards to those in Tracy's immediate and current circle. He was a truly admired and loved person and his presence on this planet will be most apparant to those of us fortunate enough to have been his friend. I feel very lucky to have been touched by his soul on my own personal journey. His colorful spirit will live on in all of us and his humor and wit will contunue to bring a quiet chuckles in all of our hearts. I will aim my next toast to the skys above knowing that he is there to reciprocate and waiting for the rest of us to join his party of thousands. I just know he is holding a table for us all! David Golightly

Joe Terry

November 28, 2011

Tracy, and Tom H. (and many more to numerous to mention) spent many a wonderful evening, morning, afternoon and next evening at Storyville in our favorite corner booth. Loved the softball games against Clancy McQues but Tracey was just a horrible pitcher...but when you bring the equipment and libation you get your choice of positions!
I am sure you are on the mound once again in Phase II of your journey. We all loved you and still do!!

Joe Terry
Birmingham, Alabama

Anonymous

November 28, 2011

Alas, I did not know you. You were surly a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy. I am sure that your gibes will be missed...Your gambols, your songs, your flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table on a roar. Now get you on to the Here After, the Heavens call for your merriment now.

Lois Lane Donald

November 28, 2011

I never met him but he sounds like he was an awesome man! Whoever wrote this obituary did an excellent job portraying the man he was...Full of life and enjoying life. Praying his family and friends are comforted by the words of those who leave words of expression...
Rest in Peace Mr. Priest!! Rest in Peace!!

S T

November 28, 2011

Wow! I'm sorry I didn't know you. May you RIP after a full and, apparently very rewarding life!

Stephen Jones

November 27, 2011

Tracy was my friend, racket ball, drinking and sailing partner. We spent the better part of a summer sailing on his boat in the Gulf. Wonderful times!! Some of my best memories. I'll miss you pal.

John Allen

November 27, 2011

Outstanding obituary composition. Wish I had known Tracy -- and the writer of the obit.

Mike Lamon

November 27, 2011

I ate at Storyville often and Tracy almost never failed to come by my table to ask about the meal, and inquire if my party was having a good time. Didn't know him personally, but would have like to.

Ron Rainey

November 27, 2011

I first met Tracy as a senior in college so long ago and have many good memories of seeing him throughout the years since that summer of '69. For "Miss Kitty" and myself, "Vaya con Dios mi amigo".

Sue Leonard

November 27, 2011

I met Tracy in Tuscaloosa and worked for him at his Storyville restaurant there. He was definitely an extraordinary person.....a sort of "free-floating" spirit. I never met a person who did not like him. I know he will be missed by many.
Sue Leonard
Wilmington, NC

November 27, 2011

I celebrated my 30th birthday with all my friends at Storyville.
It was a wonderful place indeed. I have just celebrated my
60th birthday, but nothing will ever compare to the one at
Storyville.
What a way to express his life!!!!!!!!!
Rest in peace, Trace

anonymous

November 27, 2011

And obviously, being a man with vision, wrote his own obituary. A salute to you, and RIP.

Judy Hayes

November 27, 2011

I remember Tracy when he worked at Shoney's in Tuscaloosa. Several years before he moved to California. He was married then, and had two young sons. She eventually divorced him and took the kids and moved to, I think, Louisiana. One thing for sure, Tracy lived his life his way!

Ellis Fluet

November 26, 2011

I met hm in first grade

Jay Lewis

November 26, 2011

Now THAT is what I call an obituary, sir. Good for you. I'll not wish you an RIP: instead, you get out there and see what further trails you can explore. I wish I'd known you.

Sally

November 25, 2011

What an amazing obituary, matched only by the gentleman for whom it was written. I wish I had known him. I hope his story goes viral. Thank the powers that be for his brilliance and that of the author, as well.

Eric Ringsby

November 25, 2011

Funniest damn obit ever!
What an inspiration.
RIP Trace.

Brooke Brannen

November 24, 2011

I didn't know you but you had the BEST obit I have ever read. EVER. RIP, Mr. Priest.

Barbara Grimes

November 24, 2011

Tracy was larger than life, always a devoted friend and, to many of us a mentor, nudging us forward helping us grow to our full potential. I feel honored to have been his friend and still laugh about his kidding me about eating carrots. His light will always burn in my heart. Om shanti, Trace.

Stewart McClellan

November 24, 2011

I wish I would have met the man. God Bless, safe travels.

Chip Cooper

November 23, 2011

Tracy was the very first person I met in 1968 when I came to the UA campus, he glowed with kindness. I will miss him.

Sher (Cheryl) Boyce

November 23, 2011

If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
the TAO
Trace, I hope you are on a transmegamystical trip.

November 23, 2011

Thanks for being a good landlord on Audubon St. and great drinking buddy back in those BAMA days,,,,,,Thanks for showing me some of the early days of the "New Orleans Jazz Fest",,,,,,,,A lot of people loved you Dude!
Good Bye,
Sheehan

Marsha Fasullo

November 23, 2011

I met Tracy on Mardi Gras day in New Orleans-40 years ago. I was 18 years old and certain I'd met the "coolest", funniest, most charismatic person ever. From time to time our paths would cross over the course of all these years. I thank you Tracy not only for your unparalleled cleverness, wit, and charm but for your kindness, your wisdom and support.

Pat Flaherty

November 23, 2011

Didn't we have fun this summer in the Outter Banks! You were always the life of the party and still the first one up. Don't know how you did that. Miss you terribly. You left us way too soon.

Bill DeMouy

November 23, 2011

I am happy to say I was one of Tracy's pledge brothers at the Deke House and we shared some great moments together. He was truly unique in all the world.

Mort Jordan

November 23, 2011

Thank you, Tracy, for the richness that you added to our city and to our lives. You are more than missed.

Suzanne & Susan

November 23, 2011

My friend & I just read Tracy's obituary and we feel we've missed out on meeting a truly interesting and life-loving person. We commented to eachother how we wish we had known him.

General Supreemo

November 23, 2011

Never met the man, but wish I had.
I am glad he touched so many lives, and I pass on condolences to his friends and family.

I have awarded him a Captaincy in the Upper East Side Locos, the very least I could do in these sad circumstances.

March McCrory

November 23, 2011

Tracy's spirit was one of the brightest I've ever known. He did nothing small and sure knew how to throw a party! When it is my time to part this life, I hope to see Tracy waiting with grandiose plans so typical of the grand poobah! I loved you Trace and will miss you dearly, RIP my friend until we meet again....

Howard

November 23, 2011

"Now in Inja's sunny clime / where I used to spend my time / a servin of 'er majesty the queen / of all the black-faced crew / the finest man I knew / was our regimental bhisti Gunga Din... / ...you squidgy-nosed old idol Gunga Din." Trace knew that one by heart. He was an amazing poet and lyricist - his stuff always struck a perfect balance between poignant and funny and ribald. When you were honored by Trace you were very honored indeed. Goo'night Captain.

Alice Kalagian Hopkins

November 22, 2011

I met Tracy in late sixties,and became instant friends,with great regard and respect exchanged.Tracy loved smart people,and especially smarty pants.He gave my daughter her first ever job in high school,a Christmas retail gig,and she's still grateful 23 years later.He was a seer,a sage,a lover of silly,a lover of women.Music was his oxygen, his soul belonged to his children.His friends always had a great time at the party known as Tracy.So it seems that God needs to have a snort and a giggle with His friend, Tracy.We miss you,and hope to see you again.Peace,my friend.

Colleen Bozard

November 22, 2011

What a warm and wonderful man. I had the pleasure of knowing him for the last few years. His theatrical talent was fun to watch. His humor and talent for being a friend to all was always evident. He will be missed by too many to count, a true measure of the kind of man he was.

Samantha Claar

November 22, 2011

I'll bet money that Howard and Tracey wrote that obit together over (you guessed it) a bottle of bourbon. I met Tracey in 2009, during a reading for Lefty the Pirate (a musical) We ended up being a "couple" onstage and my did it make the straight girls jealous..which he enjoyed to the hilt. My fondest memory is of dress rehearsal, when he said after our performance.. "you carried me on that one, you'll never have to do it again." And I didn't - and came to really adore the man. We all sang a cast song "Best Trip Ever" - and this is my hope for Tracey on this new journey.

Barbara Dorman

November 22, 2011

Tracy's magical, incandescent light may have been extinguished, but all of us who knew him still carry the torch. His life was his art. Flawed but fabulous, he changed everyone who had the great good fortune to be pulled into his orbit. We will not see his like again. Good night, sweet prince.

Patricia Townsend

November 22, 2011

Tracy was truly one of kind. He was charismatic, intelligent with sharp wit, and so much fun to sing and dance with. He adored his children, family, and friends. Rest in peace, our dear friend.

Rafe Semmes

November 22, 2011

I did not have the pleasure of knowing Tracy in person, but I am sure I have met him in spirit. He sounds like the kind of guy I would really have enjoyed knowing. God be with you on your next step in the journey of the soul.

November 22, 2011

That is an amazing obituary. This man has wonderful friends and family.

November 22, 2011

I was in the dekes with Tracy at Alabama. The obit is right on. Sorry it had to be written at so early a time. Jim Johnston

November 22, 2011

Best obit I have ever read. He must have been a lot of fun.

Derick Mujica

November 22, 2011

I moved to Mobile to take this job and its funny that I met Tracy being the I was rasied in Beaufort SC. We used to smoke cigs and talk on breaks about our day and how many claims we closed. He would always walk by and ask me how my day was going and I would always do the same. I used to stay late to try to get caught up and he was always here, the first one in and the last to leave. I'm truly going to miss Tracy but he is in a much better place.

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