Anthony Ignatious Butler, Sr., a resident of Pinellas County, Florida, passed away on November 3, 2025.  The second of three children, Anthony was born to Jonnie Mae Jones on July 30, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri. During Anthony’s younger years, Jonnie married Don Carlos Butler, who lovingly adopted Anthony and raised him as his own.

Anthony, also known as “Tony” or “Big Tony” to his family and friends, graduated from Sumner High School in 1971. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Cornelia Butler. Together, they were blessed with two children, Anthony I. Butler, Jr., and Brandy R. Butler. Later in life, Tony welcomed his third child, Antoinette Butler, who preceded him in death. Anthony was also preceded in death by his father, his mother, and his brothers Mark Kevin, and Reginald F. Butler.

Tony was a voracious reader with a deep love for science fiction that transported him to distant worlds through literature. His greatest love, however, was music – particularly the blues – and he found profound joy in playing guitar. His talent on the guitar was more than a hobby; it was his passport to adventure, taking him to stages across St. Louis, St. Petersburg, and even Europe, as he pursued his passion for live performance. 

Tony’s music allowed him to travel, connect with diverse audiences, and create memories that spanned a lifetime of performances and friendships. This love of music and imagination became a thread woven through his entire family. Inherited from his parents, shared with his brothers, and passed on to his children and grandchildren, who have all developed an appreciation for the arts and storytelling, with some following in his musical footsteps, and others discovering their own creative outlets.  From reading to picking up an instrument, Tony’s legacy lives on through those who share his curiosity, his gift for entertainment, and his belief in the power of music and literature to enrich life.

Tony will truly be remembered for his free spirit, easy humor, and kind heart. Whether discussing his latest book, enjoying a jam session, or simply sharing a moment of laughter, he had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed and at ease. He was a man who understood that life's greatest adventures could be found in the pages of a book and in the rhythm and melodies of a song.

Tony is survived by his two children, Anthony Jr. and Brandy, one stepson, Darnell, and a host of beloved grandchildren: Marissa, Avery, Addyson, Blake Alexander, Markieta, Brandyn, Markiesha, Mani, Railee, and Blake, two great-granddaughters, Rhylee and Sophie, and a host of extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

The family requests that, instead of flowers, you consider contributing to Tweety B’s, Inc., an early childhood education non-profit founded by his daughter, Brandy, which serves families in Pinellas County, Florida.