It's probably fair to say that, wherever Humzey Yessin goes, he has-or will make-a friend. The infectious grin and curious twinkle of the eye are just the first hints of an intriguing persona.
He can be found, most mornings, at Magees enjoying a daily Earl Grey tea (with honey) and bagel (poppyseed). "I always have the same thing," says Humzey, who gathers with a steady group of friends to hang out and talk about "Anything and anybodyÖand a lot of sports," he laughs.
And if there's one thing that Humzey knows, it's a little bit of everything. From the coal mines of West Virginia to the links at Greenbrier, Humzey has had his share of experiences.
He's retired now, but that's only because he decided against pursuing the major league baseball career he had a shot at in order to join the military. Then he moved to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky and scout during the Rupp years ("We didn't have all that videotape back then, you had to go out and scout."). When there was an opportunity to use his college knowledge coaching at Georgetown-baseball and basketball-he tried that for a while, then he started working in golf where he became a Class A PGA golf pro and the director of golf for the Kentucky Department of Parks. He also developed the courses at Juniper Hill in Frankfort, Tates Creek (which is now a country club) and Greenbrier. All while staying married ("55 years now!") to wife, Ruby, and raising eight children!
If you see Humzey, introduce yourself and sit down for a chat. You'll find something to talk about.
Meet Humzey
Name: Humzey Yessin
Nickname: Humz
Birthplace: Williamson, W.V.
Neighborhood: Greenbrier
Family: Wife, Ruby Roe; children, Terry, Mike, Amy, Carla, Laura, John, Tim, Ben.
Hobbies: Golf and University of Kentucky sports
Favorite Lexington landmark? It's hard to say, but I'd say the universityÖand the horse farms are the other thing.
Best reason to stay in Lexington? It's a fine place to live. It's a university town and a clean town. It's a good place to raise a family.
What was your childhood ambition? To play major league baseballÖand I had a try out with the Boston Red Sox, too!
What was your first job? Mucking track outside coal mines in West Virginia.
What was your first car? A Chevrolet
What is your favorite movie? "Shawshank Redemption"
What is your favorite comfort food? Pizza with the works
What is your favorite kind of music? '40s and '50s music, the Big Band Sound
What was the proudest moment in your career? Graduating from UK and becoming a Class A PGA Golf Pro.
What do you wish you had known 10 years ago? A tip on hot stocksÖlike Apple or Google or one of those things.
What is your favorite charitable cause? The Red Cross and The Salvation ArmyÖright after my children!
What has been your biggest accomplishment in life? The development of golf in our state parks.