He was a hard worker, who always had a job from an early age. When he wasn’t babysitting his five younger siblings, he could be found working different jobs, which included mowing lawns, sweeping at his grandmother’s beauty college, and waiting tables.

Tony was always passionate about cars. His love of cars started with his over-the-top 10-speed racing Schwinn bicycle he had as a child and later included his Camaro with the airbrushed flames that he painted himself, and the many Corvettes that he owned over the years.

He spent many years as a boy scout, where he learned to “be prepared,” a philosophy he often taught to his children. He also built many model airplanes and battleships, bowled in a league, enjoyed photography, cooking rhubarb pies, and listening to The Beatles. He was a collector of comic books in his early years, and the sale of his collection became startup money for his future endeavors.

Tony graduated from Brazosport High School in 1970 and was one of the first students to attend Brazosport College at the original location in Freeport. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Audrey Smith in Clute, Texas, with whom, he had three children. They were the center of his universe, and he created many happy memories with them as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

“Young Tony” (as he was often called) opened his own car repair business in Houston in 1987, which is still in operation today through his sons and office manager, Sheri. His customers and employees, some of which became life-long-friends, respected his abilities and honesty. He was a very people-oriented person and a conversationalist, as well as a kind and fair employer.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey; three children, Courtney (Ryan), Anthony (Nessa) and Trevor (Violet); two grandchildren, Dylan and Rhett; two brothers, Leslie and Jeffrey; two sisters, Dinkie and Kelsey; brother-in-law, Mike; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Tony” and Jean; brother, Barry, and sister-in-law, Lee Smith; and mother-in-law, Norma Smith.

“And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree,there will be an answer, let it be.For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,there will be an answer. Let it be.” — Paul McCartney, Let It Be

A “celebration of life” memorial service will be held at Stroud Funeral Home in Clute on Sunday, June 23rd at 2:00 p.m.

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