Lassiter Gravestone Project - suggestions welcome

ChicagoRJ said:
Saw this on Wiki, and thought it was cool.

Luther Lassiter spent his final days practically broke, living alone in the house of his childhood in Elizabeth City, on a pension provided by oil tycoon Walter Davis, who was a lifelong friend of Lassiter's. When they were children during the Great Depression, Lassiter would give Davis, who came from a poor farming family, a couple of dollars whenever he needed it, which often meant the difference between eating and not eating. Davis never forgot Lassiter's kindness, and repaid him by taking care of his necessities in his last years. To escape his loneliness, Lassiter would often ride his bicycle a couple of blocks away to his younger brother Clarence's and his wife, Barbara's, house, and hang out and play with their two sons.[9]

On October 25, 1988, days before what would have been his 70th birthday,[1] Lassiter died of natural causes in his hometown of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He was found by his nephew next to his pool table where he had apparently been practicing.[3] Lassiter was interred in New Hollywood Cemetery in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.[12] and was survived by two brothers and three sisters.[3]

Clarence's wife, Barbara, said after his death, "I knew two or three people in my life who I thought would go to heaven - with no doubt - and [Wimpy] was one of them. He treated everybody like they was supposed to be treated
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Absolutely brings a tear to the eye. He was a special man.
After reading the ending of "Hustler Days" I was speechless for a while.
I don't think some here get how special this man was. And as far as junior players go. They should be taught history and dedication first above all, and there is no greater example than Luther Lassiter.

If there is a billiards education curriculum, before bridge hands and cue tips are taught, there should be the lesson of this man's life and accomplishments.

God bless all those who are involved here to make this happen. in the other thread, I pledged my support and ready to help.

This gravestone project isn't just long overdue, it's desperately needed if we are ever to advance the sport here in America.

"The strength of our future lies in our past" - Ronan Harris
 
I think this says it all...

On October 25, 1988, days before what would have been his 70th birthday, Lassiter died of natural causes in his hometown of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He was found by his nephew next to his pool table where he had apparently been practicing.

Lassiter was survived by two brothers and three sisters.[3]

Clarence's wife, Barbara, said after his death, "I knew two or three people in my life who I thought would go to heaven - with no doubt - and [Wimpy] was one of them. He treated everybody like they was supposed to be treated.


Nice research Chicago
 
i knew mr lassiter

and he was a class act, great idea. if it would help i would donate one of my wood pin cues for an auction if we need a few more bucks.

not on the head stone but maybe on the foot stone, personally i would like to see an engraving of a hamburger.
 
Lassiter served in the Coast Guard. If he was honorably discharged, he should be entitled to a free footstone that lists his service and conflicts when he was active duty. All vets discharged honorably are entitled to a free footstone.

Whoever is in contact with his family should make sure they know to contact the VA about that.

Details: http://m.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial/headstones-and-markers.html
 
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TX Poolnut said:
Lassiter served in the Coast Guard. If he was honorably discharged, he should be entitled to a free footstone that lists his service and conflicts when he was active duty. All vets discharged honorably are entitled to a free footstone.
Whoever is in contact with his family should make sure they know to contact the VA about that.
Details: http://m.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial/headstones-and-markers.html
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The picture you show is one of headstones, and would not commemorate his achievements in pool. :smile:
 
Tramp Steamer said:
The picture you show is one of headstones, and would not commemorate his achievements in pool. :smile:
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Most people get the flat granite marker and use it as a footstone. It would only list his military service and would still allow for a pool - related headstone.
 
I bet you're a lot of fun at parties!

wow...and wow!

Ken_4fun said:
Not trying to be a jerk, but I would rather see money going to the youth and future of billiards than spending money on a gravestone for a former champion.

He made his lifestyle choices, and from what I heard he made hundreds of thousands of dollars playing sailors with more money than sense. If this was important to him he would have planned for this. But those are just my thoughts.

I wish you the best of rolls,

Ken
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Ken_4fun said:
Not trying to be a jerk, but I would rather see money going to the youth and future of billiards than spending money on a gravestone for a former champion.

He made his lifestyle choices, and from what I heard he made hundreds of thousands of dollars playing sailors with more money than sense. If this was important to him he would have planned for this. But those are just my thoughts.

I wish you the best of rolls,

Ken
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I can only imagine if you WERE trying.

There are few things more tacky than telling a generous group what they should instead be using the money for. Nobody is asking anyone for money here..that's taken care of it seems. If the future of pool with youth moves you, then have at it and I won't come in telling you should spend it on something that may actually benefit them down the road... or to donate it to my favorite cause.

And just for good measure you need to crap on the reputation of a pool great... yeah, that's going to help the games future. I know you've already been beaten up over your post but it was outrageous and deserves outrage in response.
 
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