Tony B. Smith was born in Tampa, Florida and raised in Plant City Florida, the Winter strawberry capital of the world, where he graduated from Plant City High school in 1985. He matriculated at Clark Atlanta University, in Atlanta Georgia where he was a recipient of a football, music and track scholarships. This is also where he fine-tuned his talents in music, singing and literature. A recording artist and musician, Tony, can be found on Sunday mornings playing an instrument or directing a choir at his local church. Adopted by Frank and Mary Smith at an early age, Tony was an only child until his early teen years. This time was very significant, for it gave him one on one time with his parents and especially, his dad. It was in this time that the two fostered a special relationship that became an inseparable bond. In the early spring of 2011, after being diagnosed with dementia and early Alzheimer's, Tony moved his father in with him to ensure his safety and welfare. Employed as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the city of Tampa, Tony used his skills and medical experience to deal with the failing health of his father. Even with this advantage, he felt helpless at times of how fast his father's decline came. It all seemed to happen overnight! One day everything was going well and seemingly overnight all that changed. The shock was overwhelming! It was Tony's father and mother who led him to have a relationship with God. For they both had been great examples of Godly parents, all of his life. Often, he jokingly admits that he really had no choice in the matter. For his mother was the church's musician and director of the choir that Tony sang in until leaving for college and his dad was Chairman of the Deacon Board for many years also doubled as the church janitor. Therefore, his attendance at church was perfect. Because the church was only a block away from where he grew up, Tony was usually tasked with going in before service to unlock the doors and set the thermostat so it would be nice and comfy when parishioners arrived. It was through these two that Tony realized the importance and the benefit of having his own personal relationship with the man upstairs. He gives his dad all the credit for being a shining example of a Godly man! He always encouraged him to pray and to seek God for wisdom and strength. Tony is a father of two, (Taylib) a 15-year-old son that will be talked about in several devotions and (Laila) a 4-year-old daughter that is referred to as the fourth amigo in some devotions as well. Tony is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc. and credit this organization and his dad for introducing him and teaching him about manhood and roles and responsibilities that come with being a man. Tony resides in Plant City where he enjoys writing, playing in his band and mentoring young males.