As the oldest of four boys, Tony took on the role of leader, protector and confidant to his three siblings, James, Curtis and Eric, as they became lovingly known as “The Boys”, a name they carry to this day.
Tony was a true product of the District of Columbia public schools attending elementary through high school. Some of his fondest memories was being a part of a football team, which he enjoyed sharing stories with his grandson, Nicholas. Following high school, Tony joined the Marine Corps. Afterwards, as an entrepreneur, Tony was a private furniture mover for many years, and later, became a bondsman and an armed security supervisor for local clubs.
After the family relocated to what would be known as “the family home” in Seat Pleasant, MD, there were many great birthday parties, fish fry's, and out of control family gatherings.
In 1973,Tony married Ruth M. Toliver, and from this union two daughters, Nicole and Carla Skinner, were born, which he proudly took on the new title “Daddy”. Tony would later welcome two sons, Anthony, Jr. and Terry Skinner. He also had a special place in his heart for Gerard and Tia.
Tony loved to laugh even in the most inappropriate times and was an expert people watcher. He had a passion for sharing life experiences with others and could always be counted on to help others in need. Tony was also an avid animal enthusiast and welcomed a good game of cards.
As the oldest of “The Boys”, Tony had (3) very special women in his life, who nurtured and took care of him…his mother, Shirley, who gave him life; his aunt/godmother, Inez Skinner, who disciplined him, and his mother-in-law, Juanita Toliver, who provided an unconditional listening ear. As these were voices of reason, which Tony truly respected, he lived to make each of them proud and welcomed their loving guidance they provided when needed.
Inspired by his father James Skinner, Tony was known best for was his cooking. He loved to create new dishes, which was always finger-licking good and gave them unusual names. He would always volunteer to be the “in-house taste-tester”.
Despite all of life’s accomplishments, he relished his role as grandfather. He had a special bond with Nicholas whom he spent a great deal of time. Nicholas was known only to him as “Bear". He also spoke with such pride about all his grandchildren: China, Tristen and Logan…fussing about not seeing them enough.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, James and Shirley Skinner and nephew, Marcus Skinner. He is survived by his wife, Ruth M. Skinner; two daughters, Nicole Skinner and Carla Skinner; two sons, Anthony Skinner, Jr. and Terry Skinner; four grandchildren, Nicholas, China , Tristen and Logan ; three siblings, James Howard, Curtis Alvin and Eric Leon Skinner; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Skinner and Margo Skinner; a devoted godmother, Inez Skinner; a devoted mother-in-law, Juanita Toliver, both guiding voices that knew him the longest and prayed for him often, even in death; a host of nieces and nephews, Stephanie (Andre) Panton, James, Jr. (Rachel) Skinner, Jamara Skinner, Nianca Steele, Terry (Richelle) Payne, Jamala Skinner, Jennifer Skinner and Erica Skinner; several great-nieces and nephews, who will not have the benefit to get to know their “crazy uncle" Tony, but will be told many stories for years to come, and a host of cousins and friends.
Family will receive friends on Monday, September 17 from 12:30 p.m. until time of service 1:30 p.m. at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722. In lieu of flowers, family suggests, donations be made to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America via this link: https://www.classy.org/team/189090
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18