What a lovely tribute thread and picture display, Jennie Ann! Grady was a fascinating guy, and had a tender heart. It's pretty obvious to me that without Grady's love and promotion of one-pocket, the game we all love would not be at the level that it is today.
Your story of his admonition to Keith re his relationship with you was touching. There are many stories of Grady's thoughtfulness. After Hurricane Katrina, he was the first guy who contacted me to ask if everything was alright, and to send his good wishes.
You're right about Grady's disdain for booze and drugs. However he did smoke. When I moved here in 2000 I was still smoking. When I attended the Seniors' event that year in Biloxi, I noticed that Grady smoked too, which surprised me a little. I believe he quit shortly afterward, as did I.
Keith has publicly expressed his gratitude for your loving attention, and for you as a spouse. We all owe you thanks as well. You're not only a livin' doll, but you have promoted pool --both as a player and an advocate-- for many years. Your vigilance concerning the game itself, and commentary about the state of pro pool has been appreciated by many.
Thanks again, JAM, for a thoughtful and admirable tribute.
Very best regards,
~Doc
Thank you for the kind words, Doc. I really appreciate them very much.
I had not remembered that Grady smoked. I met him in the early '80s for the first time in Tampa, FL at Baker's pool room. I guess he was smoking then, and I had forgotten it.
He didn't do drugs or drink, though. That, I know. He really had a strong disdain for substance abuse, drugs, alcohol abuse, et cetera.
I remember one time, Keith and I were at the Glass City Open in Toledo, and Keith had a beer in his hand just about every time he was seen at this tournament. Behind the scenes, there was plenty other things going on, as well. I was trying to keep Keith on a routine to compete in the tournament, but between the gambling, socializing, OTB horses, et cetera, this proved to be a tough task. :frus
Randi and I were standing in the lobby, chatting, and on the second level of the hotel atrium, a few players were walking by, feeling no pain. One of them saw me talking to Rand, who also shared Grady's disdain for substance abuse, and he yelled out, "Hey, tell Keith that I got something for him," and he takes out this vial of pills from his pocket. He shakes it up and down and loses control. The entire vial of pills flew down to the lobby floor and spilled out of the container, little pills rolling around, right in front of Randi and me. OMG, I was so embarrassed.
I also remember Grady getting up at 5 and 6 a.m. at the hotels. I was up, too, because my body clock was used to this. He'd go out running every morning. I admired that about Grady.
Of course, all of us know how passionate Grady was about commentating. He loved it with every inch of his being. I fast-forwarded this YouTube of the memorial and put it on the part where Billy Incardona and Grady start bantering. It's vintage commentary, priceless, and so very cool. Gosh, the two of them were great together. It also nice to hear Grady's voice --->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSdd1cFrdtE#t=564