My early years growing up in Elyria, was our neighbor on Whitman Blvd., Charlie Smith. Mr. Smith was a golf professional, where there was the biggest golf bag in his garage, all white bag that was First Flight in green letters. Mr. & Mrs. Smith would always be sitting in lawn chairs on the driveway, having coffee, when passing by the Smiths' we were always to say hello. As always , Mr. & Mrs. Smith would wave and smile with a hello, Getting older I had an opportunity to learn the profession of caddying, Spring Valley Country Club was just down the street and ravine. I would get up early, not quite awake, and start my walk to the course, just me and the sidewalk, when "Howdy neighbor!", shot out of the Smiths garage! There was Charlie, bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to head to his golf course , he would ask "where you going?" , still startled by someone with that much energy at 6:30 am, " I am going to caddy" , Charlie came forward from the garage, "good luck", I said, "thank you, Mr. Smith", Charlie shot back,"No! it's Charlie! Have A good day!" Charlie had the most infectious smile every time he saw you. I took many a golf lesson from Charlie, HE WAS THE BEST!!! Our condolences Mrs. Smith ,Dan and Diane. The Kukucka family
