Smiley Anders
| Smiley Gray Anders (American newspaper journalist who specialized in human interest essays and columns) | |||
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| Born | November 20, 1937 Natchez, Mississippi Resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana | ||
| Died | May 31, 2024 (aged 86) Baton Rouge, Louisiana | ||
| Spouse | Katherine Scales Anders
Children: | ||
Smiley Gray Anders, Jr. (November 20, 1937 – May 31, 2024), was a popular features columnist for The Baton Rouge Advocate, the principal newspaper in the capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His column, which ran from 1979 to 2024, consisted of a daily collection of humorous, unusual, and nostalgic anecdotes submitted by his many readers. It was the essence of the spirit of south Louisiana. He penned at least 12,500 columns. Many may have thought that Smiley was an assumed name, but it was his legal name, and it connoted with his sense of humor and good demeanor.[1]
Background and career
Anders was born in Natchez, Mississippi, and he moved with his family to Baton Rouge when he was eight years of age. He became interested in writing as early as the eighth grade in part because he was academically weak in mathematics. He graduated from Louisiana State University and became editor of the oil and gas section of The Shreveport Times. He subsequently worked for the Farm Bureau, a position which involved extensive travel across the state. He came to The Advocate in 1973 as a business reporter and began his column three days a week beginning on June 4, 1979. He published some of his columns in four separate books.[2]
Judi Terzotis, the publisher of the John Georges Media Group, said that Anders "had a quick wit and heart of gold. Our entire team is deeply saddened by his passing, but his legacy will endure, not only in our hearts, but in the hearts of all our readers.” Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, said that Anders "brought joy, wit, and a unique perspective," that made him a "cherished voice in our community. Smiley's columns were more than just words; they reflected the heart and soul of Baton Rouge. His ability to find humor in everyday life and his genuine connection with our residents made him a trusted friend to many."[2]
Death at 86
Though he was never a smoker, he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the latter stage of his career, he worked from home as his health declined. He wrote his last column just days before his death. Anders was survived by his wife, the former Katherine Scales, who was known to his readers as "Lady Katherine." The couple had two children, six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson.[2]
In an interview in 2023 marking his 50th anniversary at The Advocate, Anders summed up his feelings, accordingly, "I'm lucky to have had this life."[2]
On November 20, 2024, on the occasion of Anders' 87th birthday, The Advocate recalled his long career, summed up as the writing of columns that cause one to appreciate that the "simple pleasures [are] a big part of the secret to a happy life."[3]
References
- ↑ Remembering Smiley Anders, his zest for life: Jan Risher | Entertainment/Life | theadvocate.com, accessed June 4, 2024.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Smiley G. Anders, Jr. Obituary 2024 - Church Funeral Services & Crematory, accessed June 4, 2024.
- ↑ Jan Risher (November 20, 2024). Marking Smiley Anders' 87th birthday and the art of appreciating simple pleasures. Baton Rouge Advocate. Retrieved on November 22, 2024.
