Who is Tony Weller from The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club and what is their importance?

Tony Weller is Sam's kind but irresponsible father. He is employed as a coachman. Tony tends to act as more of a friend than a father to Sam. After his wife's death, Tony inherits over eleven hundred pounds, which he gives to Mr. Pickwick. Mr. Pickwick invests the money, and Tony uses it to retire several years later.