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Amarillo Slim Obituary

Helped broaden|game's popularity

AMARILLO, Texas Thomas Austin "Amarillo Slim" Preston Jr., a poker champion whose brash style, fast talking and love of the spotlight helped broaden the professional game's appeal and made him one of its most recognizable characters, has died. He was 83.

Mr. Preston's son, Bunky Preston, said he died Sunday of colon cancer while in hospice care in Amarillo, where he lived.

"He was playing poker until the very, very end," Bunky Preston told The Associated Press on Monday.

Thomas Preston got his nickname playing pool, according to his son, and with his cowboy hat and southern drawl, he wouldn't have been out of place gambling in an Old West saloon.

Mr. Preston would bet on just about anything, and he mastered the art of elaborating on the truth. Among his many claims laid out on his website are that he played Minnesota Fats in one-pocket billiards using a broomstick; beat tennis player Bobby Riggs at pingpong using an iron skillet; and outran "a horse for a hundred yards (no one ever said nothing about the race being straight-away)."

"Look around the table. If you don't see a sucker, get up, because you're the sucker," he said on his website. "They anticipate losing when they sit down, and I try my darndest not to disappoint one of them."

Mr. Preston's accomplishments at the poker table were very real, and his 1972 win in the fledgling World Series of Poker in Las Vegas helped make him an unofficial ambassador for the game. Often not the best player at the table, Slim nonetheless sought out the spotlight.

Where many of his fellow professional gamblers at that time preferred to lie low, Preston enjoyed appearing on television shows.

"He was one of the world's most interesting men," Bunky Preston said.

Mr. Preston wrote or co-wrote several books about the game and himself, and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1992.

Often not the best player at the table, Slim adored the spotlight and milked it using his Texas drawl.

The self-proclaimed "World's Greatest Gambler"

He was born in Johnson, Ark. His family later moved to Texas and settled in Amarillo.

Slim's Mr. Preston's later life brought charges that he molested a young relative. Records show a 2004 conviction on three misdemeanor charges of assault causing bodily injury in Amarillo in a case involving the 12-year-old girl.

Slim, Mr. Preston, 75 at the time, was sentenced to two years' probation with deferred adjudication and fined $4,000.

The plea came after a Randall County grand jury indicted Slim him on three counts of indecency of a child by sexual contact, a second-degree felony.

Slim's Mr. Preston's lawyer at the time was quoted in an AP story as saying prosecutors were willing to drop the felony charges because they couldn't prove their case.

Slim Mr. Preston later told an interviewer for a poker website that the incidents stemmed from a misunderstanding when his grandchildren were with him in the cab of his pickup truck and at a swimming pool. He said he pleaded guilty to protect his family from embarrassment.

"It would have been very easy for me [to win]," he said. "But I didn't want my family dragged through a trial and being made my enemy in the court. I didn't want my 12-year-old granddaughter to have to take the stand."

A call to court officials seeking information on the outcome of his probation was not immediately returned on Monday.

He was in special services for the military and entertained troops at the end of World War II by giving pool exhibitions, Bunky Preston said.

Published by The Record/Herald News on May 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Amarillo Slim

Not sure what to say?





72 Entries

Lived in Amarillo all my life and hadn't heard of Slim until my dad told me he had played a private game of Holdem with him before. He sure is a legend. Awesome to know someone from my hometown was such a notorious gambler and even won the WSOP.

dylan gonzalez

Other

June 20, 2022

Godspeed Thomas, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

April 30, 2018

Slim a gambler's nerve and a gentleman's heart.

May 17, 2013

Slim, I know God will give your family the strength to get through these hard times.Hope to see you again up there someday .

Brenda Gunn

October 21, 2012

Please accept my condolences. I will never forget Slim in the late 1940's. A couple of my friends and I stopped by the basement in the old Barfield Building at Sixth and Polk in Amarillo occasionally to watch Slim play nine ball and snooker on our way home from Amarillo High School. He was an icon to us. We were thrilled at some of his sayings, such as "If I tell you a goose can pull a plow, hook him up boys", after running the table. Another one I recall was "That's good enough for the girls I run around with", after an unbelievable shot.Then I followed him via television tournaments over the years. He apparently had a million friends and admirers. A true icon.

Harvey Clanton

May 11, 2012

charles lehman

May 5, 2012

Please accept 'our deepest condolences. May the GOD of all Comfort give your family the needed strength to endure the days to come. ( ATL. GA.)

May 5, 2012

He always knew when to hold 'em, and when to fold 'em. God Bless "Amarillo Slim" and his family.

Mickey Barnes

May 4, 2012

Deal 'Em Slim!...You Win!

Jim Flynn

May 4, 2012

God rest you, Amarillo Slim.

Matteop Lane

May 3, 2012

Dear Slim,
I'll always remember our last game, all in Big Slick Clubs against Big Slick Diamonds... You'll always be dear to my heart, gone but never forgotten!

Rocky Manos

May 3, 2012

My PRAYERS go out to his family love watching him play porker

becky wilcox

May 3, 2012

LOOKS LIKE WERE HEADS UP ST PETER ,YOU CAN DEAL...RIP SLIM ...BUMPERENO

BILL MUNLEY

May 2, 2012

With deepest condolences to the Preston Jr. family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

May 2, 2012

Odds are there will be a full house when Slim folds his last hand and throws in his chips, to ante up to the big poker table in the sky.

Eddie J.

May 2, 2012

I'm so sorry about Slim. Remember what a great run we had with him. I'll always remember him and his family.
Doyle Brunson

May 2, 2012

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

PJN

May 2, 2012

tipping my hat to the greatest poker player ever RIP slim

doug mote

May 2, 2012

May the God of all comfort be with your family.

Sincerely,

May 2, 2012

the reason i play poker is because of slim rip my friend.

Eddie Strom

May 2, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through.

johnny earle westbrook

May 2, 2012

Sorry for your lost

donald Leonard

May 2, 2012

I had the priviledge to play poker with him twice. Regardless of what some people said or thought, he was a true gentleman, and my poker hero (He was and is the ONLY person, that, I was STILL happy to be sitting next to, even after he got my chips!). He is responsible for bringing poker out of the shady backrooms to the glittering cardrooms of today. Anyone who hasn't bought and read his books, is REALLY missing out on stories that will make you laugh, think, and, realize what an incredible life he lived. Thank You Amarillo Slim for bringing respect to the game we love so much, helping people realize that poker is not "gambling", and for going on the "Tonight Show" and other media to promote the game the way you did! We will continue your fight to get poker legalized in Texas! Our family's prayers and condolences go to the entire Preston family.

Scott Whitaker

May 1, 2012

Very Sorry to hear about "Slim" passing. I first met Slim in 1976 at the Stardust Casino where they were promoting Texas Holdem as a Casino game. I stood and talked with him for several minutes. He asked me for a cigarette and we stood and talked for a few more minutes. As he walked away, he said, "Son, nice to meet ya. Remember always try to make something out of everyone you meet. He said he enjoyed the cigarette. It was a privilege to supply the smoke.

Don Hardie
Spruce Pine, NC

Don Hardie

May 1, 2012

rip

May 1, 2012

I had the priviledge to live next door to Slim & Helen for 23 years. It was always so interesting to visit with both of them. They were great neighbors and we shared many comical events, Once my female black lab (Daisy) got into Slim's backyard and his black lab and Daisy jumped into their pool with the colver still on and both dogs were tangled up in the cover. Slim and I thought they would both drown but we managed to finally get them both out!
My prayers are with the entire Preston family.
Jimmy Clifton

Jimmy Clifton

May 1, 2012

preston family, so sorry for your loss. slim was a most interesting, lively, engaging & entertaining person, definately a character!! i've known him since the early 80's and always enjoyed his company. he was always a gentleman in the poker rooms and always had a smile and a story for everyone. we'll miss ya ole hairy legs!! the poker game in heaven will welcome their old buddy. it was an honor to have been his pal. with heartfelt sorrow, kathy hudson

kathy hudson

May 1, 2012

Anonimus Professor

May 1, 2012

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Slim last year in Amarillo . We were eating at a BBQ place by Our hotel . He was eating alone and We recognized Him . We asked a local Who confirmed it . We waited till He was finished and My wife asked Him for an autograph . We talked about poker and He was just so engaging in conversation .I will lways remember Him with fondness . Andy Dalessandro Sahuarita,AZ

Andrew Dalessandro

May 1, 2012

An American gaming legend RIP

May 1, 2012

Slim is all-in...R.I.P.

Russ Lee

May 1, 2012

I love watching him play poker. Prays go out to the family. He will be miss. God bless

sheila johnson

May 1, 2012

Enjoyed Slim and his stories many of which were true.

Perry Green

Perry Green

May 1, 2012

May God comfort and provide you with peace during your time of lost. God is your strength and refuge, look to him for your source of strength.

Golden Giddings

May 1, 2012

i will miss him i watch him playing poker. on tv

janet pendergraff

May 1, 2012

my prayers are with u and your family.

May 1, 2012

To the family of Mr. Preston. My heartfelt condolences at this very difficult time in your lives. Words can't express the sadness, hurt that you're feeling but may our Heavenly Father give you peace and comfort. Very encouraging are the words found at Psalm 147:3- He is healing the broken hearted one's.

Marilynn

May 1, 2012

To the the family of Amarillo Slim - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.

May 1, 2012

RIP Mr. Preston

Hoppy Hopkins

May 1, 2012

RIP Mr. Preston.

May 1, 2012

RIP Mr. Preston.

Hoppy Hopkins

May 1, 2012

May you always make the 9 ball on the break and get dealt only royal flushes.

Moss Litenun

May 1, 2012

May you finally find the peace that life refused you in the later years. I pray Heaven welcomes you with open arms, Slim. May the Lord watch over those you have left on this earthly plane. You will be missed by those whose lives you touched in the most basic of ways.

Chris Brown

April 30, 2012

I played with Slim in Baton Rouge years ago and really enjoyed his company.
He was a class act in every sense of the word.
RIP

Jerry Haik

April 30, 2012

SLIM,
YOU WERE ALWAYS A CLASS ACT ON AND OFF OF THE POKER TABLE. I PRAY YOU GET A LOT OF ACTION IN HEAVEN AND MONSTER HANDS.
GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND.

TONY BRUNO

April 30, 2012

R.I.P. We all Loved to watch you play cards, show everyone in heaven how its done..... God Bless you and your family now and always..... So sorry for your loss..... To The Preston Family.....I know he is an Angel looking down on you all....

The Hayes Family

April 30, 2012

Bunky I am sorry to hear about your dad as you know I lost my dad while we were sophomores at Tascosa I really enjoyed staying over with you and Johnny Smith and the gang and briefly knowing your dad. We had good times and still tell the stories of your dad turning off the sound on the tv and making up the most hilarious stories. I wish you and your family well. Cary Cooper Austin, Texas. [email protected]

Cary Cooper

April 30, 2012

Please accept my deep sympathies. May the God of tender mercies be with you. Romans 15:33

April 30, 2012

My condolences to the family.

MIKE ROSIER

April 30, 2012

rip

michelle plakas-kaiser

April 30, 2012

Loved watching him on t.v.playing
Poker.
He was such a pleasent person i know
A LOT OF HIS POKER PLAYERS WILL MISS HIM.
God Bless His Family.
Sincerely
Evelyn Oliphant.

EvelynOliphant OliphantL

April 30, 2012

He will be missed.
Judy Ellis

Judy Ellis

April 30, 2012

83, not a bad run for a gambler. Rest in peace. Life is not about how good a hand you are dealt, but how good you play the hand.

Whiskey Mike

April 30, 2012

Our condolences to Mr. Preston's family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. WIth deep sympathy,

Harts

April 30, 2012

May he rest in peace..............I always enjoyed watching him play cards......what a talent.

Rick Spice

April 30, 2012

with all the cards on the table heaven called prayers for the family and now poker in heaven just got a lot tougher asp says deal-em

richard corrigan

April 30, 2012

I always enjoyed hearing the stories and the study that went into increasing the odds of a good hustle. Whether it be a barefoot race or pingpong game with trash can lids substituting for paddles. Man had to be smart to make people take his bets.

Cole Woodard

April 30, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Preston. I enjoyed watching him over the years. A real poker player!!!

Nancy Kelley

April 30, 2012

Our Condolences to the family.
He was a great pleasure to watch in what was obviously his element.
May He Rest in Peace.

D

April 30, 2012

John wilson , columbus ohio

john wilson

April 30, 2012

Family and Friends of Mr. Preston Jr.,
"May God bless you and keep you.
May his face shine toward you, and assign peace to you."(Numbers 6:24,25)
You are in our prayers.

Johnnie & Emma

April 30, 2012

My deepest condolences. He sure was a joy to watch in Poker games on TV. He had a great sense of style and humor.

Agnes R

April 30, 2012

My condolences to the Preston family during your time of sorrow.-Ps.90:10

April 30, 2012

OUR CONDOLENCES
TO HIS FAMILY
"AMARILLO SLIM"
@
AS WITH A FRIENDLY
PAST TIME SPORT
KNOWN AS
A GREAT GAME
OF CARDS&CHIPS
UPON A FULL HOUSE
TALENT WITH A
SMART MINDED
TEXAS HOLD'EM
RIP
THOMAS AUSTIN
PRESTON JR.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Victoria&Andrew

April 30, 2012

he was one of the best.he will be missed

harlan thompson

April 30, 2012

I am so very sorry for your loss. "Slim" was a wonderful man..I worked w/ him on the movie "California Split" in Reno (w/ George Segal and Elliott Gould). He was a kind and considerate man. May God comfort your heart.

Connie Coyle

April 30, 2012

I hope you enjoy playing in heaven with the best player ever.

Henryk Zaleski

April 30, 2012

he was always a gentleman around woman at the table................

April 30, 2012

sir: i am so sorry for the lost of your father -i am a colen cancer surviver,and the lord well be with him fron now on,and he be with you threw this the best for you -earnest c jones lot's love

cordell jones

April 30, 2012

Loved to see Mr. Preton gamble against the younger ones ,He will be missed a lot.R I P Bunky

CAROL Linthicum

April 30, 2012

R.I.P. Mr. Preston. Bunky Preston My Prayers are with you and your Family. God Bless You. I am really sorry to hear about your Dad.

Patricia Ward

April 30, 2012

I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.

April 30, 2012

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