All About David
Some very good responses here. David was definitely a top tier pro in his day. He and Jim Rempe were the main reps for Meucci for years. He had one of the strongest breaks ever in 9-Ball and didn't miss too many balls either. "Little" David was known on tour as the Giant Killer, because of all the top players he beat as a youngster in Florida.
Of course, this nickname became somewhat of a joke on tour, because David was one of the Giants in 9-Ball. He was capable of beating anyone out there and was a consistent top ten player thruout his career. He finally retired from the road and opened a billiard supply called Little David's in Jacksonville, FL. After a few years he added a pool room next door.
David was one of the friendliest, most well liked guys out there. As far as the drinking problem alluded to here, I NEVER saw him show up for a match drunk, or even tipsy. He was always on time and ready to play. If he drank, it must have been at home between tournaments. The man was a pro, and actually made a living at professional pool for around 20 years. How many players can say that?
David Howard was one of my favorite players, and yes I consider him a GOOD friend.