The Life and Legacy of Tony Powell

Anthony (Tony) Powell, born on April 28, 1962, to the late William Powell and late Karen A. Powell, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2023, at his home in Phoenix, AZ. He leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration that touched the lives of many who will hold onto their fond memories with Tony forever.

Growing up, Tony cherished his upbringing in Maywood, IL where he formed enduring friendships and spent time with his family including his parents and his beloved siblings Ronald Powell and Sheila Powell Heyward. In later years, his family grew with the addition of his beloved sister Angela Powell.

Tony attended Garfield Elementary School and later graduated from Proviso East High School in 1980, where he was a proud Pirate. During this time, Tony’s passion for music blossomed and throughout his life, he became known for bonding with loved ones through sharing music.

Tony was also a sports fanatic, and after joining the Air Force in 1982, he embraced his love for boxing by joining the team. He remained a lifelong fan often talking about sports with his father whom he shared a close bond with, and you could count on him to watch to every big fight and tune into the Bears every week.

He married Kelli Powell in 1988 and they went on to have two children, Kory Powell, and Shannon Powell. His devotion to them shone brightly as he raised them beaming with pride. He graduated from Loyola University during their early years, but he considered fatherhood his biggest achievement, treasuring every moment they shared.

While living in Bolingbrook, IL, he became a pillar in the community, mentoring many young lives, and his impact was undeniable, as many still recall the positive influence he had on their paths.

An award-winning speaker and an author who proudly called himself the “heavyweight champion of success,” Tony’s dedication to empowering others to pursue their dreams became a defining aspect of his character. A true motivator, he had an unwavering belief in the potential of individuals that remained with him until the end.

Tony’s memory lives on through his children, Kory and Shannon, siblings Ronald, Sheila, and Angela, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and numerous friends and acquaintances who were blessed to know him. He also leaves behind cherished friend Pastor Stanley Jay (Peanut), as well as a circle of close companions including Walter Lewis (Chip), Tracey Stitt, Avon Stevens, Rick James Jr., Marlon Morris, Angie Boyd, Jordan Akin, and a host of other friends.

In honoring Tony's legacy, may we continue to draw inspiration from his commitment to family and his relentless pursuit of helping others achieve their dreams.

Tributes:

My champion of success,

Blood, Tackling T, Casual T, Champ and Pretty Tony are what they called you. You have climbed some pretty big mountains, my brother. It was pretty cool being your big brother.

Hug momma and daddy for me.

Ronny

—

Dear Tony,

I had writer's block when it came to writing this. How ironic that I would wake up in the middle of the night knowing exactly what to say. After all, you were notorious for calling and waking me up in the middle of the night (smile) . As I read Ronny’s tribute I smiled because you had all of those nicknames but to me you were just big little brother. Well, big little brother I can’t help but to think of that lonely feeling I had when you left for the Air Force. There I was staring out the window crying not knowing when I would see you again. Well, I am now crying and wondering when I will see you again. It’s the same feeling. The first thing you bought with your first military check was a gold chain with a cross on it for me. I remember getting it in the mail and feeling so much love and protection. I thank you for leaving me with wonderful memories. From small children to high school, and on to Norton Air Force Base, together we were a team of two that were powerful from the beginning. We would talk about writing our books and we would help each other come up with titles. We talked about our mistakes. and mostly our success. My big little brother, you were just full of hidden talent. I’m going to end this by saying rest well, brother, you are now at peace and enjoying heaven with all you were missing. I love you and I thank you for loving and protecting me from day one. Love your partner in crime, your little sister.

Sheila

—

Dear Daddy,

Anyone who knows me, knows I have always been the biggest daddy’s girl in the world. I was your “boo boo” and you were truly my biggest fan. You let me know it, always. I am so thankful to God for that. And for all the texts, voice messages, Facebook posts, even TikTok comments...all these reminders of how immensely proud you were of Kory and me, and how deeply you loved us.

To have to move forward in this life without you physically here is something I never wanted to have to think about and now that it’s real, it hurts so bad. But to know you, was to know that you were the biggest motivator, even when you were dealing with your own struggles. And I know that you would want us to keep our heads up and push forward. So in the spirit of Casual T, the heavyweight champion of success, my main man, I’m going to try my very best to do just that.

While I feel like a piece of me is missing, and it’ll never be replaced, I find comfort in knowing your spirit will live on with me forever – in the texts, voice messages, Facebook posts and TikTok comments. In the playlists filled with dusties that transport me back to our cherished memories. In the silly moments full of laughter spent with our family. You are all around us.

I love you always and forever, daddy. Thank you for loving me how you did. I hope you’re up there partying with Marvin.

Shannon

—

To my main man, my broham, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you! I wanted to do everything like you as a kid, and to this day, I’m still trying to be as cool and sharp as you. Thank you for always being there for me. From taking me to basketball practice and driving us to tournaments all over the country, to checking on me and coming to see me even when you lived out-of-state. I will miss our daily phone calls and hearing about your day. But I have a lifetime of memories that I will cherish and never let go of. You have given more to this world than you know and changed the lives of so many. I’m so proud to be your son, and I will continue to celebrate you forever. Rest in heaven, Champ! I love you!

Kory

—

To my brother,

Though you have left this earth, your presence continues to live on in our hearts and memories. Every time I hear Marvin Gaye on the radio I think of you, or if I’m watching a boxing match I think of you. You were always there for me and I will never forget it. When I had my daughter you drove to California to meet her and you were also ready to be there for me on my Wedding Day. Your warmth, your laughter, and your unwavering love have left an indelible mark on all of us. As we navigate the days without you, we find solace in the cherished moments we shared and the bond that can never be broken. You were not just a brother; you were a source of strength, a confidant, and a true friend. Your absence leaves a void that words can never truly fill. We remember your kindness, your courage, and the way you touched the lives of those around you. Your legacy lives on in the stories we share and the lessons you taught us. Though you are no longer physically with us, your spirit lives on in the smiles you brought, the love you gave, and the memories that we hold dear. As we honor your memory, we find comfort in the thought that you are watching over us, guiding us from above.

Rest in peace, dear brother. Your light will forever shine in our hearts.

With love and remembrance,

Angela

—

Anthony “Tony” Powell was my Best Friend of 45 years, he was a man with a kind heart, he cared and wanted the best for all. He always had a smile on his face. He taught me everything I know, he taught me how to walk with stature and integrity and how to talk with confidence. Tony “Casual T” Powell was one of the greatest men I’ve ever known, Your memory is a keepsake from which I’ll never part, God has you in his arms and I have you in my heart.

Peanut

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