Karen Ramsey and Minnesota Fats

Karen Ramsey and Minnesota Fats, originally uploaded by jakedyer.

Karen Ramsey, who used to live behind Fats in Dowell, sent in this photo. She writes that there was a small street and an empty lot in between their homes. She recalls once in the early 1980s hearing a noise . and going outside to see what it was and it was.
"Fats doing some kind of hollering," she writes. "I went to see what it was all about. He was coming toward my house down the street and I walked over to him and he said that he was looking for his dog." Then he added: "well, not MY dog, but one that I've taken in and I can't find him."

Karen, who goes by the nickname Shordy, said she remembers walking with Fats looking for that dog.

"I use to live in DuQuoin in my years before that, when I was little I used to see him in the grocery store and he would always give me a dime," she continues. "I always liked him. ... He loved dogs and I do too! I think he was a great man!"

Shordy's uncle and Minnesota Fats

Shordy's uncle and Minnesota Fats
Originally uploaded by jakedyer

The uncle of Karen "Shordy" Ramsey stands with Fats in front of one of the Fatman's famous Cadillacs. "They were taken in Fats driveway in front of his Cadillac, that had "MF1" on the plates," said Shordy.