City honors tennis icon

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

One day, a few weeks ago, at the Palm Coast Tennis Center, Ken Obermeier, tennis superintendent, recalls having another typical conversation with Clarence Custer.

Obermeier said Custer began to talk about playing high school basketball with a “pretty good” left-handed player. Obermeier recalls that Custer said a few other minor facts, but couldn’t remember the player’s name. Stumped as to who it could be, Obermeier decided to Google some of the facts later that day to try and see who Custer was talking about.

Turns out, Custer was referring to “Pistol” Pete Maravich, one of the youngest players inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and still the all-time scoring leader in NCAA Division I hoops.

“Clarence remembers random little facts about a lot of things,” Obermeier quipped Saturday afternoon, just minutes for the city recognized Custer’s legacy in Palm Coast. “Everyone has a Clarence story.”

A few minutes later, Mayor Jon Netts, on behalf of the City Council, proclaimed April 30 as Clarence Custer Day and also gave Custer a complimentary lifetime membership to the Tennis Center.

Though it’s tough to get a feel for someone’s personality in 30 minutes, Custer’s gentle but hardworking personality is infectious.

Perhaps one man was able to put Custer’s warmth and uplifting spirit into perspective .

“Clarence has been such a wonderful, great man, and there are no other words I can say to describe how he has impacted my life and my family’s life,” said Peter Descartes, who met Custer years ago at the Players Club, in Palm Coast.

But, the moment that put Custer’s personality and humility into perspective was when he stood up to say a few — or many — words to the crowd.

Custer said he will remember this day for the rest of his life.

“It’s a great part of my life to see you people here,” he said.

At one point in his heyday during the 1990s, Custer led a doubles team to six league championships. He also played tennis Wednesday and Thursday mornings with a group of five other men. The combined age of the group? 379 years.

Custer exudes friendliness. He will talk to anyone about anything. He’s warmhearted, and he’s an iconic figure in Palm Coast for more than just tennis. And on Saturday, April 30, he was the center of attention for all the right reasons. After all, he’s the city’s Tennis Ambassador and a great person.