Anthony Preston Smith

April 7, 1951 Dorothy and Edward Smith welcomed Anthony Preston Smith into the world.  Anthony was the second oldest of four boys and he certainly lived up to being a big brother.  Anthony was a protector and everything about him from his height to stature to deep voice let you know it.  Anthony believed in protecting and taking care of his family.  His famous statement was, “I’ll see what I can do.”

Anthony received his education from Indianapolis Public Schools and was a graduate of the historic Crispus Attucks High School.  He enjoyed playing softball and participated in various leagues in the city.  One of his leagues was with Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ where he also attended periodically.  Anthony married Sharon Avant and to this union, his only daughter, Adrienne was born.

Being a hard-working provider was Anthony’s nature.  He retired from Target Warehouse, was a small business owner of a variety store and worked as a bouncer at various nightclubs including the Wagon Wheel.  Anthony was known for being dressed and his style all began when his grandmother bought him a pair of Stacy Adams.  From that time forward you could count on Anthony dressed from head to toe with a well-coordinated hat and jewelry.  He later married Ira Nelson and this union was blessed with two sons, Benjamin and Anthony Jr.

Bo or Bogart became his famous nickname after his favorite actor, Humphrey Bogart.  Bogart lived life to the fullest.  He coached little league football, loved watching sports and his stories, gambling or pulling a tip book, and was an absolute R&B music fan.  A couple of his favorite artists include Luther Vandross, Gerald LeVert, and Patti LaBelle.  When talking to Bo, at any given moment he may break out and start singing, “baby, baby, baby.”  Anthony had a heart of gold.  Throughout his life, he spent countless hours with his Aunt Audrey becoming one of her caretakers until her eternal transition in 2019.

Anthony gracefully entered his eternal rest December 20, 2020 at 3:52PM.  To share his memories, he leaves his daughter Adrienne; sons Benjamin (Shelby) Hicks and Anthony Jr.; grandchildren Kalee Dalton, Jada Smith, Jordan Smith, Kyran Adkins, Jaylen Hicks, Jansen Hicks, Jurnee Hicks and Tiana Hixenbaugh; siblings, George Smith, Ronald Smith, and Craig Smith (preceded him in death.)

Services will be on Monday, January 4, 2020 at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services – Lawrence. Due to the Pandemic, services will be private. Anthony’s final resting place will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN.