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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.
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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