RIP Ron "TALL MAN" Meriweather
- Thread starter Swede59
- Start date
Sorry for your loss.
Pool is less today than yesterday because your friend and a fellow pool players isn't here today.
Pool is less today than yesterday because your friend and a fellow pool players isn't here today.
Ron is going into the New England Pool and Billiard with the next class of players. It's good to know he lived long enough to know this was going to happen. It's very sad to know he passed before he could truly enjoy the day.
We will all miss you Ron. It was great to see you enter a room. Your smile was contagious. Thanks for sharing part of your life with the players in the New england area.
We will all miss you Ron. It was great to see you enter a room. Your smile was contagious. Thanks for sharing part of your life with the players in the New england area.
Drew Tall Man at a tournament one time. He kicked my butt! He was a very kind gentleman. He would share his knowledge of the game with someone that wanted to learn. Very sad news.
Bob Campbell
Bob Campbell
RockemSockem
Registered
Thanks for the post Swede. Ron was a dear friend of mine for past few years. I will miss him dearly, especially all the conversations we have had on our road trips together. He was a fine gentleman, teacher, philosopher & one hell of a pool player. He was also a devoted family man who raised 3 fine kids when he is away from billiard establishments.
Ronny, I'm gonna miss ya bud!!
Ronny, I'm gonna miss ya bud!!
Joe T
Well-known member
An inkling of what type of person he was and how much he loved the game. On many occasions he would simply sit and watch me practice and when he saw me slipping he would just simply say “Hey........... Focus” and with those 2 words he would recharge my batteries. Some sessions were short, others went over 8hrs, 8hrs, how many people would sit and encourage another for no personal gain of their own? I had my high run of break n runs, 35 out of 100 and guess who racked all 100?
He did this for many players, if he saw the love and desire in you he was there for you asking nothing in return. I always knew this day would come but then again part of me just thought he would always be here cuz nothing kept the man down and nothing will. I encourage anyone that has been touched by Tallman to keep him alive by being as nice and gracious as he was to the other players you come in contact with.
I love ya pop, you’ll be missed, your life was a nice example for all of us, thank you .
He did this for many players, if he saw the love and desire in you he was there for you asking nothing in return. I always knew this day would come but then again part of me just thought he would always be here cuz nothing kept the man down and nothing will. I encourage anyone that has been touched by Tallman to keep him alive by being as nice and gracious as he was to the other players you come in contact with.
I love ya pop, you’ll be missed, your life was a nice example for all of us, thank you .
Ronald L. Meriwether
MIDDLETOWN - Ronald Lee Meriwether, 71, of Rogers Lane, Middletown, RI, died Friday, October 30, 2009 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the husband of Alma (Young) Meriwether. Born in Dayton, OH on January 17, 1938, he was the son of Lizzy Kate Meriwether and the late John E. West of Dayton, OH. Mr. Meriwether was a member of the Thessalonian Missionary Baptist Church, and worked as an assembly technician for Raytheon for many years. He was and avid billiard and card player. Mr. Meriwether had been nominated for induction into the billiard hall of fame. His biggest accomplishment in billiards was playing and beating the famous billiard player Willy Moscone. Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters Ragan M. Meriwether and her companion Maastar Muhammed of Trussville, AL, Stephanie R. Meriwether-Sleeper and her husband James of Newport, RI, and Rhonda Engram of Norfolk, VA, a sister Valerie VanLeer of Dayton, OH, five grandchildren Carlton R. Meriwether, Jazmin R.L. Meriwether, Derek W. Meriwether, Marquita Davis, and Irving Engram, two great-grandchildren Catherine R.L. Meriwether and Camille T. Meriwether, a niece Stephanie VanLeer, and a friend Raymond Reyes. He was also the brother of the late Lisa Meriwether and is also survived by many aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, from 5-8 p.m. in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport.
MIDDLETOWN - Ronald Lee Meriwether, 71, of Rogers Lane, Middletown, RI, died Friday, October 30, 2009 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the husband of Alma (Young) Meriwether. Born in Dayton, OH on January 17, 1938, he was the son of Lizzy Kate Meriwether and the late John E. West of Dayton, OH. Mr. Meriwether was a member of the Thessalonian Missionary Baptist Church, and worked as an assembly technician for Raytheon for many years. He was and avid billiard and card player. Mr. Meriwether had been nominated for induction into the billiard hall of fame. His biggest accomplishment in billiards was playing and beating the famous billiard player Willy Moscone. Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters Ragan M. Meriwether and her companion Maastar Muhammed of Trussville, AL, Stephanie R. Meriwether-Sleeper and her husband James of Newport, RI, and Rhonda Engram of Norfolk, VA, a sister Valerie VanLeer of Dayton, OH, five grandchildren Carlton R. Meriwether, Jazmin R.L. Meriwether, Derek W. Meriwether, Marquita Davis, and Irving Engram, two great-grandchildren Catherine R.L. Meriwether and Camille T. Meriwether, a niece Stephanie VanLeer, and a friend Raymond Reyes. He was also the brother of the late Lisa Meriwether and is also survived by many aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, from 5-8 p.m. in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the Community Baptist Church, 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard, Newport.
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It was indeed a sad day for New England pool. For so many decades he has dedicated his life to this game we all enjoy. I've made many road trips with him on the weekends. During tournaments he would watch you very carefully, then come over after the match to tell you to "lift the elbow higher", or "your stance is different than what you usually do", or "walk around the table so you can see the angles better". With those words, I would get myself back on track. Granted, others could tell you the same. But he took time to watch your stroke, compare it to your practice stroke, and then analyze it. He would then come over & show me what he saw. He would do this for many others as well, because he wanted to see everyone at top of their game. He wasn't friend to one person or a click, he was everyone's friend. Nothing made him happier than to improve your game, to make sure you learned something today you did not know yesterday.
On a more personal level, his mother told me he was also an avid singer. She told me he had a beautiful tenor voice and often would sing at the church, funerals and other family occasions. I would have loved to hear that singing voice. Now I'm left to imagining what it would have sounded like. He had a booming voice when he wasn't weak from his illness. I know because I was on the receiving end of that voice alot. We often ripped each other to see if we could get under the other's skin. Then would laugh about it for hours. He was also an accomplished seamster. He would often analyze the fabrics and their styles and would create beautiful dresses for his daughters and others in his extended family. I'm sure his analytical mind was working full time here.
There were also many funny moments as well. One that really sticks out in my mind was about a year or two ago. There was a Joss 9-Ball tournament held at old Snookers in Providence, RI. I got there early sunday to watch the tournament. I called before hand to see if he wanted to ride with me. He said no because he's got a surprise for everyone. Not long after, in walks Ronny. Decked out in full suit, tie, awesome looking two-tone black & white leather shoes, black fedora with big brims, nice cane. It was a beautiful set-up & he looked awesome, but it was right out of the 80's. He had all of us rolling on the floor a bit there. Everyone came by so talk to him and to compliment his choice of attire. I ripped him for wearing a pimp suit to a Hooker's convention. He got grief from me for about two week.
I will post few more stories in due time...
Rest in Peace Ronny, I miss you dearly.
On a more personal level, his mother told me he was also an avid singer. She told me he had a beautiful tenor voice and often would sing at the church, funerals and other family occasions. I would have loved to hear that singing voice. Now I'm left to imagining what it would have sounded like. He had a booming voice when he wasn't weak from his illness. I know because I was on the receiving end of that voice alot. We often ripped each other to see if we could get under the other's skin. Then would laugh about it for hours. He was also an accomplished seamster. He would often analyze the fabrics and their styles and would create beautiful dresses for his daughters and others in his extended family. I'm sure his analytical mind was working full time here.
There were also many funny moments as well. One that really sticks out in my mind was about a year or two ago. There was a Joss 9-Ball tournament held at old Snookers in Providence, RI. I got there early sunday to watch the tournament. I called before hand to see if he wanted to ride with me. He said no because he's got a surprise for everyone. Not long after, in walks Ronny. Decked out in full suit, tie, awesome looking two-tone black & white leather shoes, black fedora with big brims, nice cane. It was a beautiful set-up & he looked awesome, but it was right out of the 80's. He had all of us rolling on the floor a bit there. Everyone came by so talk to him and to compliment his choice of attire. I ripped him for wearing a pimp suit to a Hooker's convention. He got grief from me for about two week.
I will post few more stories in due time...
Rest in Peace Ronny, I miss you dearly.
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I met Tallman when he ran a pool room in Middletown. Bumpers was the name I think.
I was a kid who thought he could play some one pocket. I challenged him on a slow afternoon and he graciously agreed to play.
He took control, reversed my break and gave up no shots for several innings. I lost patience and shot at something low percentage, a trap to be sure. That told it all.
When Tallman broke, he said "this is a shot I like to play against a young one-pocket player." He banked the cue and froze it to the rack, while pushing several balls to his hole. I didn't see light again for the rest of our session.
Angry and frustrated, like an arrogant kid confronted with the truth, I came with the give-up stroke. I fired the last rack open, made a ball and ran 5 more balls. I hung my 7th ball. Ronnie ran out, leaving the last ball on my front porch.
To this day, now more than 20 years later, I speak of myself as a "young one-pocket player." I needed a lesson or two in humility before I would be ready to start learning anything more.
Thank you Ronnie, for being gracious, patient, and for respecting a kid who deserved none. Most especially, thank you for the lesson in humility. You steered me toward a path to become a better man. To me, you are what is best in the game.
Gian Calise
I was a kid who thought he could play some one pocket. I challenged him on a slow afternoon and he graciously agreed to play.
He took control, reversed my break and gave up no shots for several innings. I lost patience and shot at something low percentage, a trap to be sure. That told it all.
When Tallman broke, he said "this is a shot I like to play against a young one-pocket player." He banked the cue and froze it to the rack, while pushing several balls to his hole. I didn't see light again for the rest of our session.
Angry and frustrated, like an arrogant kid confronted with the truth, I came with the give-up stroke. I fired the last rack open, made a ball and ran 5 more balls. I hung my 7th ball. Ronnie ran out, leaving the last ball on my front porch.
To this day, now more than 20 years later, I speak of myself as a "young one-pocket player." I needed a lesson or two in humility before I would be ready to start learning anything more.
Thank you Ronnie, for being gracious, patient, and for respecting a kid who deserved none. Most especially, thank you for the lesson in humility. You steered me toward a path to become a better man. To me, you are what is best in the game.
Gian Calise
DTrain9481
New member
Tallman was one of the most selfless people in the game that I have ever met. I remember when I first met him a while back. I was practicing on a table near where he was shooting some balls. He kept looking at me and I was wondering why he was doing that. All of a sudden, Tallman started telling me a few things I was doing wrong, and helped me correct some of my issues (and from what I have been told, I still have a lot to work on), but he helped me with my issues for the day...and he didn't even know me well at all.
I was fortunate enough to become a friend of his and the pleasure has truly been mine. I remember some of the Mondays I would not work and go to the pool hall he would be at and all we would do is either talk about philosophy, maybe shoot a little bit, or just play gin (and when I say "play gin", I mean he kicking my butt and me paying him).
The last time I saw him was at a tournament at an area pool hall in Providence, RI. I didn't sleep very much Friday into Saturday (was up at 2:30 am Saturday and went to bed at like 3:00 am Sunday). I left the tournament (got knocked out) and came back to watch the end of it (nearly 1:30 am Monday). I remember just chatting it up with him and will never forget how hard I made him laugh. All I said was "Tallman, I was up really early on Saturday morning....there isn't much on TV at that time, but I did learn how I could buy government foreclosed homes on pennies on the dollar". I've never seen the man laugh that much in my life (which is something I will miss dearly....his laugh, his smile and the way he can joke around with you and not make you offended at all).
As Swede has in his profile, Tallman was famous for saying "I'm just a good person that loves to play pool. Be a good person 1st". I never truly grasped that quote until I realized I will never see him again. I would say he was not a good man, but a GREAT man. I just hope I can be a fraction of the man he is, so I can truly be honored to see him again.
BUMP to a man that could energize a room with his presence, a man that could make you smile when the day hasn't been great. BUMP to Tallman.
I was fortunate enough to become a friend of his and the pleasure has truly been mine. I remember some of the Mondays I would not work and go to the pool hall he would be at and all we would do is either talk about philosophy, maybe shoot a little bit, or just play gin (and when I say "play gin", I mean he kicking my butt and me paying him).
The last time I saw him was at a tournament at an area pool hall in Providence, RI. I didn't sleep very much Friday into Saturday (was up at 2:30 am Saturday and went to bed at like 3:00 am Sunday). I left the tournament (got knocked out) and came back to watch the end of it (nearly 1:30 am Monday). I remember just chatting it up with him and will never forget how hard I made him laugh. All I said was "Tallman, I was up really early on Saturday morning....there isn't much on TV at that time, but I did learn how I could buy government foreclosed homes on pennies on the dollar". I've never seen the man laugh that much in my life (which is something I will miss dearly....his laugh, his smile and the way he can joke around with you and not make you offended at all).
As Swede has in his profile, Tallman was famous for saying "I'm just a good person that loves to play pool. Be a good person 1st". I never truly grasped that quote until I realized I will never see him again. I would say he was not a good man, but a GREAT man. I just hope I can be a fraction of the man he is, so I can truly be honored to see him again.
BUMP to a man that could energize a room with his presence, a man that could make you smile when the day hasn't been great. BUMP to Tallman.
Hey Swede
I was told a story that Tall Man once played Allen Hopkins in his road player days. Their session continued over 3 days with a break even result.
Have you heard this story.
I was told a story that Tall Man once played Allen Hopkins in his road player days. Their session continued over 3 days with a break even result.
Have you heard this story.
No.. i never heard that story...but..he had soooo many stories that i'm sure he just forgot to tell me that one
