Anthony "Tony" Jerome Thompson Sr.

Anthony "Tony" Jerome Thompson Sr.

United States Air Force Veteran

July 4, 1953 - June 23, 2026

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anthony "Tony" Jerome Thompson Sr., a proud United States Air Force Veteran and Retired Daytona Beach Firefighter, who peacefully answered the Master's call on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at his home while surrounded by his loving family.

Anthony J. Thompson was born July 4, 1953, in Waycross (Ware County), Georgia, to the late Carrie Mae Thompson and Carol (Carl) Love Thompson. He was preceded in death by one brother, Carl Andrew Thompson, and one sister, Sherri Thompson.

The family moved to Daytona Beach in 1965 from New York. Tony then attended Campbell Street Middle School and later graduated from Mainland High School with the class of 1972. Tony served in the United States Air Force from 1973 through 1975. In 1975, Tony moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Georgia State College. Upon returning to Daytona Beach in 1977, he attended the Firefighter Science Paramedics Program.

After testing and working with the fire department as a temp, he became employed in 1979 with the Daytona Beach Fire Department, becoming the city’s first Black firefighter. In 1984, Tony became a paramedic. Tony also worked with the Seaboard Coastline Train Company.

In 1986, Tony met his wife-to-be, Irish Dobson, and to this union were born 5 children: Anthony J. Thompson Jr., Malcolm Thompson, Johnathan Thompson, Sherri Thompson and Marcus Thompson.

Tony was celebrated as the first Black fireman to retire from the Daytona Beach Fire Department in March of 2000. After resigning from the fire department, he worked with the Department of Juvenile Justice, which became a ministry for him.

Tony was a strong and faithful man of God. Through his time of illness, his faith and love of God never wavered. He would often ask if we had made our calling and election sure. He continued to put the needs of others ahead of himself.

He enjoyed playing the piano and singing and sang with the church choir. In his early years, he played backup in a local band with friends. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends and often sang songs of worship that were his originals and praises to the Lord. He never failed to bring laughter to others through his jokes and showed love to all no matter what.

Tony was also a writer and published a book entitled “IN HIS ARMS.” It tells of his life’s journey, and the day he gave his life to Jesus — the walk that changed his life forever. He left this message to his readers:

“Giving to others in need or just being obedient, giving back to God. Remember, you can’t beat God giving. Let the way you live your life speak for you. I don’t know God's purpose for me, but he does, so just trust, trust, trust, that he knows. I hope that this book helps keep you safe in his arms. (We are our brother’s keeper).”

“How can I not love and forgive my brother? I can look back almost 50 years ago and say with confidence that God was there all the time carrying us ‘In His Arms.”

Tony leaves to cherish his memory his five children, Anthony J. Thompson Jr, Malcolm Thompson, Johnathan Thompson, Sherri Thompson and Marcus Thompson, who was his primary and loving caregiver; his ex-wife Irish; five siblings, Altomease Thompson-Lucas and husband Louis Lucas (Brandon, Florida), Dr. Debra Thompson-Sawyer (Stone Mountain, GA), Brenda Darnell Brown (Decatur, GA), Granette Regina Thompson (Port Orange, FL), and John Thompson and wife Carolyn Thompson (Sanford, FL); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and lifelong friends Terry, Tyrone, Jeffrey, Vernon, Willie, and host of other friends and loved ones.

The entire staff of Alonia's Cremation & Urns extends our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Thompson family and all who mourn his passing. We pray that God's love, grace, and precious memories of Tony will bring comfort and peace during this difficult time.

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