Checker Champion

   My great grandfather, Paul Davis, is one extraordinary man. He started the business Davis Brothers Nursery and worked there, with his brother, for many years. He was married to his wife, Mary, and together they had three children: Jacinta, James (my grandfather), and Teresa. Throughout his life, he has accomplished an amazing title. Once he retired from the nursery business, Paul took up playing checkers. At his house now, there is a room overflowing with trophies, medals, newspaper articles, checker boards, and checkers. Good was an understatement.

Paul Davis playing checkers in the 1980's

   Paul began his addiction as a small child playing at a country store, however, he does not remember his very first game. In an interview, he said, "You get good by having somebody beat you for about a year." He started playing more and more, beating every amateur that crossed his path. Eventually, he commenced competing in tournaments. Of course, he endlessly continued to be victorious over his opponents. Over time, he moved up and was playing in more advanced competitions, strengthening his skills. He developed his capabilities so much he could beat you in a game every single time. Multiple people would team up to try and win but never succeeded. Paul was so advanced in his checker playing expertise that he could win from another room, without even looking at the board. How? On his personal checker boards, each square was numbered, and he knew which square was which number. Someone could be using the board during a match and say, "I moved my checker from square 3 to 4." He, not even glancing at the board, could say, "Move my piece from square 8 to 7," and win.

   Papaw got so good at playing checkers, he could not find anyone locally to challenge to a game. His family and friends all knew that he was too good and they stood no chance. Paul began traveling in order to find worthy opponents of equal or better skills to further his own. He and his wife traveled across the country to play checkers. Mary said in an interview that they would plan their vacations around his checker matches, they became so frequent.

   In 1988, my papaw won the title of the United States Go-As-You-Please Checker Champion and went on to compete on the international level. The following year, 1989, Paul Davis competed in the worldwide GAYP checker championship. Even though he was not victorious, the opportunity alone to play internationally is a once in a lifetime experience. Not only did he represent the country, but he also represented our community and family in an outstanding way.  Like I said, good was an understatement.