Yes I agree, his earnings were above most middle class earnings. "Middle class" covers a wide range and I let it go at "very solid middle class" but one of his quirks was about his Caddies. He bought new Cadillacs and when he was done with one he just parked it and bought another rather than trading or selling the old one. That's pretty strong. He also carried a very nice roll at all times, another reason he matched up to suit himself. You want a shot at a fat bankroll bad enough you eventually find yourself in a game you shouldn't be in!
I had to laugh about the "color" vignettes on Wide World of Sports. Houses were pretty similar but Willie drove a top of the line Lincoln from the looks of things, Fats the big Caddy. Both fine fine road machines in their day, hard to say either was better but even in cars they clashed, Ford or GM!
Hu
When I lived in his neighborhood, he owned 3 Caddi's. He normally drove the one with plates "MF1" Been too long to remember if there was MF2 & 3 but likely. I'd have to assume that keeping all his older cars wouldn't work, living in Dowel, IL. But maybe so. He regularly said he bought a new car anytime a bird flew over.
Most don't know his love for animals. There's a plaque at the Humane Society in Carbondale IL honoring him for this. People would dump cats and dogs near his home fairly regularly and he would take them all in. Story is he had $1000 vet bills even though the Vet gave him a break. Somebody has to pay for medications. Can't verify (Island Drive can) he claimed he built an addition to his house just for the animals. Fully furnished with couches, chairs, carpeting. His first wife claims he wouldn't allow her to kill a fly in the house.
Another thing, Fat's didn't require payment for charity causes and if it was to promote the game, he likely made a decision, depending on the circumstances.
I've told this before but again. He's at the Student Center @ SIU-Carbondale performing an exhibition, deep into all the shots you normally see from Fats. All of a sudden there's an announcement.
THE PERSON WHO OWNS A CADILLAC THAT'S PARKED ON THE SIDEWALK, NEEDS TO MOVE THAT CAR IMMEDIATELY OR IT WILL BE TOWED.
Fats stops shooting and says If my car gets towed, the mayor will be Dog Catcher by tomorrow morning.
I'll stop. It's getting too long