Anthony (Tony) Johnson, 61, transitioned to his next round on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
The son of Wilson and Alice Johnson, Tony was born in Norfolk, Va., December 25, 1962.
After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School where he played football, baseball and wrestled, he attended Norfolk State University on a football scholarship where he was a power running back. He graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Business and went on to work in claims with Allstate Insurance Company for more than 36 years.
Tony loved watching and playing sports, and coaching youth recreational sports. When asked “if there’s a game on” he would respond “there’s always a game on.” Gym workouts and playing golf were also high on his activity schedule. Prior to his illness, on Saturdays during the warmer months he would often workout at the gym, come home to cut the grass, and then go play 18 holes of golf on his favorite course, The Riverfront.
He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Jamaica where he could indulge his passion for reggae music and Bob Marley. His other hobbies included grilling and reading leadership books.
But none of his activities or hobbies were more important than spending time with his wife, Lorraine C. Brooks, of nearly 23 years, son Nigel Brooks and his parents. He adored his brother Kenneth (deceased) and is survived by his parents, wife, son, brother Sheldon Johnson, sister Peggy Gould, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends
Tony was a life-long believer in Christ growing up in Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Norfolk and was a member of Calvary Community Church (C3) in Hampton for more than 25 years.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 3 at Altmeyer Funeral Home Denbigh Chapel at 12895 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23608. The service will also be streamed below.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Norfolk State University Athletic Foundation -Football, Norfolk State University, Department of Athletics-Echols Hall, 700 Park Ave, Norfolk, VA 23504.
