Tony A. Fisher, Jr.

Tony Alfred Fisher, Jr. transitioned to eternal peace on October 12, 2025. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tony was the eldest of six children born to the late Tony Alfred Fisher, Sr. and Mary Lee Fisher. He graduated, with honors, from Scotlandville High School (class of 1966) in Baton Rouge, and was a recipient of athletic scholarships to Southern University and Norfolk State University (NSU). During his formative years at Norfolk State, Tony majored in Electronics and was a member of the football team prior to joining the workforce. Upon returning to NSU, he changed his major to focus more on his passion for helping students with language arts skills. Subsequently, he matriculated through the university’s English Education program, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduating, Magna Cum Laude. Tony married his college “sweetheart”, Patricia Ann Hawkins, on September 6, 1969, and from this union two daughters (his prides and joys), Nichol Tonette and Shanetta Sherice were born. Tony’s Christian experience began when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a youth attending St. Luke Methodist Church in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana. As an adult, settling in Portsmouth, Virginia with his wife and daughters, he joined Community Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Ordained Elder, chair for the personnel team, and treasurer for the Men’s Organization and Usher Board, and taught high school students during Summer Vacation Bible School for several years. In the community, Tony was a member of Zeta Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and served as the chapter’s Keeper of Records and Seal for more than 20 years. He was recognized as the chapter’s Citizen of the Year by the National Pan-Hellenic Council for his efforts in championing public service. He took the role as Secretary for The Eureka Club of Portsmouth where he sponsored numerous Eureka Debutantes and served as the club’s picnic chair overtime. He took on another public service title, Coach Fisher, while serving as a little league football coach in the Cavalier Manor community of Portsmouth, Virginia. Tony was a member of the Norfolk State University Athletic Foundation and was inducted into the NSU Emerald Society with his wife in 2024, for his longstanding commitment to giving in support of the university’s students and programs. Professionally, Mr. Fisher worked in both the corporate and educational arenas. He was employed with Procter and Gamble for 25 years as one of the company’s folk lift and inventory technicians prior to teaching middle and high school students in Portsmouth City Public Schools. He was the School Improvement Chair and Data Analyst for the division’s New Directions Alternative School and selected the school’s Teacher of the Year twice during his 20 years tenure in education. After retiring in 2014, he remained resolute in supporting students in Portsmouth as a tutor and mentor. Tony was a man of few words, but witty and copious in character. He was a kind and compassionate gentleman, a loving husband, father and grandfather, with a reserved spirit of generosity for students, community and those in need of a “helping hand”. He delighted in spending time traveling with family and friends and enjoying simple pleasures of life, especially with his grandchildren who affectionally called him their “Oscar”. Tony enjoyed playing tennis for many years and even won a couple of local tennis tournaments playing doubles. He was an avid football fan, particularly when it came to watching his favorite football teams, Norfolk State and the New Orleans Saints on the “gridiron”. When these teams played, nothing else would capture his attention more. Tony was preceded in death by his loving parents, Tony Alfred Fisher, Sr. and Mary Lee Fisher, and brother, Anthony Fisher; sisters in law, Marolyn (Russell) Drewrey and Rita Holmes; and a brother-in-law, Jack (Mildred) Hawkins. He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his devoted wife, Dr. Patricia Hawkins Fisher; daughters, Dr. Nichol (JT) Fisher and Shanetta (Kenny) Woods; grandchildren, Justis Fisher and Kiara Woods; grands in love, Jasmine (Lonnie) Gaines, and Jayda Fisher; a great granddaughter in love, Ryleigh Grace Gaines; three brothers, Gregory (Sharon) Fisher, Dawn (Gilda) Fisher, and Ricky Fisher; a sister, Russell Ann Buckner; brother in law, Calvin Hawkins; and sister in law, Dr. Shirl (Darrell) Brown; extended family and friends, Geri (Jerome) Freeman, Evan Drewrey and fiancé Shawna Brown, Jarret Holmes, Stanley and Marolyn Edmonds, and Christopher and Eunice Talmore; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Tony A. Fisher, Jr.

September 3, 1948 - October 12, 2025