*** In Memory of ***

[mr3cushion]

Today is June 14th, when all of the country celebrates, "Flag Day". In our home, we remember today also, as my Fathers birthday, He would be 92 today, He passed in 2006.

For some of the older members no introduction is necessary, for most of the younger members my Dad was, Merhl "Smitty" Smith. He played MANY sanctioned tournaments throughout his life and was one of the, "Founding Fathers" of the BFUSA, back in the 60's!

Along with paying homage to him, I'm also remembering the BEST friend I ever had to date. Along with being BFF's, Ernie Presto was also my mentor for many years, his knowledge of billiards and players of the last century was, Encyclopedic!

I'm presenting a short clip from 2 local TV stations coverage of, I believe the 1987 or 88 Midwest Qualifier in George Ashby's hometown, Jacksonville, IL.

The gentleman with the white hair and glasses playing the trick shots is my Dad, the older man being interviewed is Ernie. You can tell from Ernie's description of billiards and personal views that, billiards was the love of his life!

I hope for some of the older members this will bring back thoughts of an era, "gone by", for the newer ones, just how it was!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HknS2SMfME

With fond remembrance;
Bill

 

[Fox]

Thanks for sharing Bill, (1988) wawwwwww!
Good info , I ll have to add this clip to my library.

 

[12squared]

Bill,

I looked forward to seeing your Dad each year that Ray Abrams had his 3-C tournament in Oak Park (Cushion n Cue) that I was around (71-76) and the time Bob Ameen took me to play at Bensingers sometime dure those years. I cannot remember if Merhl was around the one time I played at Chris' (I think 1994). He was one of the nicest men I ever met and a damn fine player. I was honored to have known him, he was a real class act.

Happy birthday!

Dave

 

[mr3cushion]

Bill,

I looked forward to seeing your Dad each year that Ray Abrams had his 3-C tournament in Oak Park (Cushion n Cue) that I was around (71-76) and the time Bob Ameen took me to play at Bensingers sometime dure those years. I cannot remember if Merhl was around the one time I played at Chris' (I think 1994). He was one of the nicest men I ever met and a damn fine player. I was honored to have known him, he was a real class act.

Happy birthday!

Dave

Thanks Dave, You've always been one of the good ones!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

 

[dharrell]

Thanks Dave, You've always been one of the good ones!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

Bill,
That was a great clip. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Dean Harrell
Augusta, GA

 

[mr3cushion]

Bill,
That was a great clip. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Dean Harrell
Augusta, GA

Dean; Thank you SO much for the kind words, I thought these 2 men deserved some kind of public recognition for how they influenced my early billiard years.

Hope to make a trip up to Savannah soon!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

 

[billiardshot]

Thanks Bill.

Should of stop in Jacksonville, Il as I was in Springfield,Il visiting a Dear Friend returning from a coast to coast 21 days trip with wife.. no billiard or pool just National Parks and Highway.

The video .. Make you wonder if our 3c promoters of today... are contacting local TV News Sports to see if they will cover or do interviews of players???