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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.<ref name=obit>Smiley G. Anders, Jr. Obituary 2024 - Church Funeral Services & Crematory, accessed June 4, 2024.</ref>

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.<ref name=obit>Smiley G. Anders, Jr. Obituary 2024 - Church Funeral Services & Crematory, accessed June 4, 2024.</ref>

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."<ref name=obit/>

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."<ref name=obit/>

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.<ref name=obit/>

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.<ref name=obit/>

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.<ref name=obit/>

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.<ref name=obit/>

In an interview in 2023 during his 50th anniversary at ''The Advocate,'' Anders summed up his feelings in a simple line: “I'm lucky to have had this life."<ref name=obit/>

In an interview in 2023 during his 50th anniversary at ''The Advocate,'' Anders summed up his feelings, accordingly, "I'm lucky to have had this life."<ref name=obit/>

==References==

==References==

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[[Category:Louisiana People]]

[[Category:Louisiana People]]

[[Category:Journalists]]

[[Category:Journalists]]