Anybody know Chet Morris?
- Thread starter rayjay
- Start date
rayjay said:
I knew Chester Morris pretty well from the time I was around 14 yrs old. He was here in Maryland but I am not sure if this is where he was originally from. He was a bit of a hustler in his day and was at one time a professional wrestler as well. I think his name (wrestler) was "Andy Gump" or something similar to that. That was of interest to the Gumphrey family who also knew him well. He really was a trick shot artist and called himself "The Great One". He was good and liked to show off from time to time, especially to impress the young ladies.
Chet is the one who refinished my first cue. I had bought an old Palmer Original from someone (for $12) who abused the heck out of it - but at least it was straight. Chet did a rewrap and refinish for me and I was immediately offered $200 for it, which I declined. I still have the cue.
In later years Chet was sort of a dirty old man. He loved to tell dirty jokes to women - even young women - for the shock value. He did adore his wife though.
I lost track of Chet after they closed our local pool room. He had had bladder cancer. Not sure what the outcome of that ever was. I think he lived in Laurel, MD and went to USA Billiards. I have not heard anything about him for many years.
Thanks for informing me of his death. If you have any more info. on that, I can pass it on to some of his old friends.
Phyllis Gumphrey
Thanks, Phyllis. I appreciate this information. I do not have any details of his death. I bought the Instroke case on eBay from someone in Florida, HunterDM, who said it came from Chet's estate. The case is in as-new condition, about 12 years old, great quality, and will probably be with me until I die, too. Thanks again,
rayjay
rayjay
Phylbert57 said:
I am saddened to learn of Chester Morris' passing. I knew him well many years ago, and he loved to do trick shots and hang out over at Randolph Hills Billiards. I bought several cues from Chester, as he used to have quite a collection of them. He was an avid collector of cues and billiards paraphernalia.
I'm sure you must know Jimmy Calder, Phyllis. I am going to contact him to find out more about Chester. Many years ago, Chester moved to Florida and I never did hear much more about him after his departure from Maryland, but I do know that Jimmy kept in contact with him.
May he rest in peace.
ManlyShot