Obituary

Anthony Wayne Jackson, 77, passed peacefully on November 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughter and grandchildren. Tony was born on May 1, 1948, and lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and the countless students whose lives he touched.

A faithful man with a contagious smile, Tony could light up any room he entered. To him, there was no such thing as a stranger—his warmth and genuine spirit touched everyone along his life path. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in his community, Tony had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. When he sang, his voice soared above the heavens and touched everyone’s heart.

A graduate of Cedar Grove High School and West Virginia Tech, where he ran for the WV Tech track team, Tony dedicated over 40 years of his life to education as an educator in Kanawha County Schools. He ran with the Striders and dedicated himself to coaching track, cross country, cheerleading, and basketball. His passion for athletics and young people shaped his life, as he mentored and inspired generations of students to reach their full potential both academically and personally.

His dedication to young people was recognized when he was inducted into the GWHS Boys Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021-2022, an honor that celebrated his contributions to the sport and his profound influence on the lives of the students he coached and mentored. Tony also worked with the Secretary of State’s office alongside Mac Warner, extending his commitment to service beyond the classroom.

Tony had a special calling to work with students with disabilities and underprivileged youth, ensuring that every child—regardless of their circumstances—felt valued and supported. From special needs students to star athletes, Tony saw the unique worth in every single child. Each one mattered to him. His impact extended far beyond wins and losses; he changed lives through his unwavering belief in every young person’s potential and his genuine investment in their success and wellbeing.

Tony was a warrior—a man of incredible strength and endurance who faced life’s challenges with courage and grace. He was a role model to young and old alike, touching everyone with his kindness and steadfast spirit. Though he walked the halls of many schools throughout his career, GW was his home. In those halls, his presence will forever remain. We will hear him there, feel his spirit, and remember the man who was, simply, our person. A true Legend of the London Community, Tony’s impact on his community and the lives he touched will echo for generations.

Tony’s faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he lived it out daily through acts of kindness, service, and love. He was a devoted father and grandfather who cherished every moment with his family.

Tony was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Ann Harris, and his father, Hannibal B. Jackson; his siblings Julia, Joyce, Betty, Gail, Lloyd, Robert (Bobby), and Edward (Eddie); his best friend and soulmate, Shirley Singleton, and his stepdaughter, Terri Singleton.

Tony is survived by his beloved daughters, Lauren Jackson and Courtney Bomberry (fiancé); his grandchildren, Kwan’Jnae Jackson and Anthony Jackson, and many loving family members.

Family and friends are invited to attend his service at 1:00 p.m. on November 15, 2025, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV.

In honor of Tony’s life, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made for his celebration of life, which will be held in the near future. All other monetary donations will be distributed to the family. https://gofund.me/fe2feb1db

Tony’s legacy of love, laughter, mentorship, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the countless students whose lives he changed forever. His smile may be gone from this earth, but his presence remains in the halls of GW, in the hearts of those he mentored, and in every life he touched. Tony Jackson was our person, and he always will be.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.