Headlines reporting poker star "Amarillo Slim dies" have many friends, family and fans in mourning. Slim is dead at age 83. According to the latest reports, the first true celebrity in the gambling game died due to colon cancer in Texas this past weekend.
According to a recent report from NY Times yesterday, Slim's son, Thomas Preston III, was the one to report the cause of death. His famous dad, real name Thomas Austin Preston Jr., died on Sunday in Amarillo, Texas. NY Times notes he was "poker's first superstar" using his charming and cunning ways along with a "preternatural coolness."
Slim was known for his overall gambling prowess. Among the examples given by the Times, he was able to win a game of dominoes for $300K against country singer Willie Nelson. He also became adept at billiards, playing matches with Minnesota Fats. However, he moved from job to job, game to game, eventually ending up in illegal bookmaking in addition to playing poker.
Amarillo Slim won more than half a million dollars in poker tournament play and was inducted into the illustrious Hall of Fame as of 1992. Among the valuable advice Slim gave for aspiring poker stars was to study opponents more than your cards, and to be able to quit the game while a loser.
It's clear that Slim quit while he was ahead in terms of poker, with his Hall of Fame induction. His legacy will surely live on after his death as younger players attempt to emulate his style. Amarillo Slim is survived by his aforementioned son, Thomas, and another son Tod, as well as daughter Rebecca Ruth Deane, seven grandkids and three great grandkids.
Deepest condolences go out to all friends, family, and fans of the late, great poker star, Amarillo Slim.
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