Funeral service for Mr. Robert “Tony” Anthony Posey, age 71, of Fayetteville, will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Dawkins officiating. Burial will be in Stewart Cemetery at a later date.
Mr. Posey was a native of Lincoln County, Tennessee and born on July 19, 1946 to the late C.L. “Ted” and Odell Walker Posey. He attended Fayetteville Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1964. After high school graduation, he joined the US Air Force and served in Vietnam, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. Mr. Posey attended Belmont University and graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1973. After college graduation, he served for 35 years in the civilian Army, living in the Philippines, Germany and Panama. He was a teacher and football coach at Springfield Junior High in Springfield, TN, a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, TN and loved UT Football. He passed away on August 18, 2017 at Lincoln Medical Center.
Survivors include his daughter, Lissa (Ron) Cooke of Bowling Green, KY; son, David Heltsley of Springfield, TN; granddaughter, Lydia Cooke; and special friends, Becky Bartlett and Benny and Regina King.
Visitation with the family will be from 11 a.m. until time of service on Wednesday at Higgins Funeral Home.
18 Comments To "Robert Anthony Posey"
#1 Comment By Karen Karch Gilliam On August 19, 2017 @ 7:09 pm
Anthony was a classmate of mine for 12 years. He could always engage anyone in a good conversation. He will be missed by many of us. Rest in Peace, Anthony.
#2 Comment By Jane Hamlin Luther On August 19, 2017 @ 7:25 pm
I remember Anthony and his parents fondly from my childhood, and was pleased to become reacquainted with him a few months before my sister, Barbara, died. He was a good friend to her and I will always love him for it.
#3 Comment By Harold (Pete) Rudd On August 19, 2017 @ 7:39 pm
Having him as a classmate for 12 years, a class of 64 member, I cherish the fun we had sitting close to each other in classes. He loved sports, especially football, and his work ethic in practice was a reminder to everyone to give it your best. I lost contact with him for several years, but was able to reconnect with him through class reunion and Facebook to the extent I looked forward to seeing his posts, even extolling big orange football. May the family cherish his memory as much as we do.
#4 Comment By John Cowley On August 19, 2017 @ 8:17 pm
A great guy with a heart as large as the moon. Always has had a big smile and good temperament. Will miss you Anthony.
#5 Comment By Hazel Petty Hyde On August 19, 2017 @ 9:03 pm
We attended 12 years of school. He was a great person and a friend to those who knew him.
#6 Comment By Barbara L Howle On August 19, 2017 @ 9:44 pm
Tony and my husband were good friends from being in the Air Force. my husband, Lany Howle passed away on april 2nd this year. He and Tony talked rather frequently by phone. Tony was a very nice man. I know he will be missed.
#7 Comment By Nancy Lewis On August 19, 2017 @ 9:45 pm
Lisa and David,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I understand the loss of one’s parents. Like my Daddy, yours was gone too soon. May the memories you have he comforting .
#8 Comment By Larry Askins On August 20, 2017 @ 3:14 am
Anthony and I attended all grades (1-12) together. We were also neighbors and played together and we were in the Royal Ambassadors at the First Baptist church in Fayetteville. He had two wonderful parents and he was probably one of the nicest and most humble guys I’ve ever known. We also accidentally bumped into each other in Vietnam – although I don’t remember the details. He was always a friend one could count on. God bless my old friend and your family.
#9 Comment By Becky Cullens Miller On August 20, 2017 @ 5:21 am
I was fortunate enough to reconnect with Anthony thru Facebook during the last few weeks. I have such fond memories of Anthony and his parents. I am sure heaven has welcomed him with open arms. May God continue to bless the family and loved ones.
#10 Comment By Steve Cooper ; Chattanooga On August 20, 2017 @ 3:15 pm
I remember growing up with Anthony & how he always had nice things to say about everything. He was a caring kind of guy that seemed to always shine through his personality. His Parents were his life in those early years. It has been good seeing him in recent years at our “64 class events. I am saddened by his untimely passing. RIP Anthony.
#11 Comment By david ready On August 20, 2017 @ 8:56 pm
I have many fond memories of Anthony and our 12 yrs. of school together. We enjoyed activities at First Baptist Church. May God bless all who knew and loved him
#12 Comment By Linda F. Williams On August 21, 2017 @ 11:24 am
Anthony was one of the sweetest people I ever knew. I am so sorry for your loss.
#13 Comment By Dicky Roy Walker On August 21, 2017 @ 4:26 pm
Love you buddy
#14 Comment By Rosalind Sowell Greer – Class of ’64 On August 21, 2017 @ 9:31 pm
I went to school with Anthony for 12 years. He always was so kind, positive, and a great friend…He always had that smile – still the same after all these years. He will be missed.
#15 Comment By Rhonda Wilbanks On August 22, 2017 @ 2:51 am
I will seeing that big smile of yours at Goodys, always looking for the latest orange and white…. I will miss hearing you ask from a county mile away what about them VOLS cousin? RIP
#16 Comment By Janice Harwell On August 22, 2017 @ 5:48 pm
Anthony was a dear friend that I cherished. He loved to talk on the phone. Always happy, always something good to say about everyone. He was a friend to all of the classmates of the Class of 64. He will truly be missed.
#17 Comment By Patsy Wright Herrell On August 23, 2017 @ 12:56 am
Anthony loved to write poetry and I hope he would like this one..
To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say…
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight.
Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.”
#18 Comment By Bob Hensley. (The class of ’64) On August 24, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
I will always remember our football practices together under Coach Bucky Pitts. Anthony always displayed his dertermination for playing football even in practice. He always gave it his all. I was looking forward to seeing you at our next reunion. You will sadly be missed by all. RIP Anthony.