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Celebrating the life of
Tony Saxon
January 01, 1948 - May 03, 2023
Michael Anthony Saxon Sr., known to all as Tony, passed away very peacefully on May 3, 2023 in Savannah, Georgia. Prior to moving to Savannah in 2019, he had retired in 2007 to Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida.
Tony was born on January 1, 1948 in Atlanta, Georgia to Hugh Holliday Saxon Sr. and Barbara Anne Chapman Saxon. He was married to Elizabeth Merle Langston on June 19, 1972, and they had two children.
Tony attended The Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was a state championship swimmer, winning the state high school all-class 100m freestyle in the tenth grade. After high school, he joined the Army and became a decorated Vietnam veteran, including a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He served in Vietnam in 1968-69, with the First Cavalry Division. In October of 1968, he transferred into the new Reconnaissance platoon for his Battalion, operating in teams of six to ten men depending on the assigned mission. He took great pride in being awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, and having his military occupational service amended from infantryman to 11F40, Intelligence and Special Military Operations Non-Commissioned Officer. The significance of the latter is that it was previously awarded only to Special Forces NCOs who had completed a special three-month course. By virtue of participation in special operations and intelligence gathering and analysis, the NCOs in Tony’s unit were deemed qualified for the 11F40 designation. Tony served his country with honor, courage, and love of the men he served with. After Vietnam, he graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1979. Upon graduating, he began a successful career with Valent (formerly Chevron Ag/Chem Co.) where he was one of the company’s top Senior Sales Representatives until his retirement in 2007.
As all can attest, Tony lived life to the fullest and touched many lives along the way. Smart, hardworking, and fearless, Tony was extremely passionate, and that passion was applied to his relationships and his hobbies. He routinely became an expert in the chosen hobby of the moment before moving on to the next hobby and abandoning the last one. Some of his hobbies included golf, karate, fishing, surfing, trick kites and motorcycles. His last passion was collecting antique knives that were used on the battlefield of each U.S. war going back from Vietnam all the way to the Revolutionary War. Above all, Tony will be remembered for his extreme loyalty to his family and to those he knew as friends.
Tony is survived by Beth, his wife of more than 50 years, and his children Michael Anthony Saxon Jr. (Judi) and Casey Merle Schivera (Matthew), his four grandchildren Chapman Wesley Schivera, Gabriel Liang Saxon, Sebastien Nan Saxon, and Henley Merle Schivera, his brother Hugh Holliday Saxon Jr. (Judy Schwarz), nephews Andy Saxon (Dar) and Marshall Saxon, nieces Rebecca Dey (Al) and Shannon Foster (Dan) as well as numerous great nephews and great nieces. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister Julianne Saxon, his brother-in-law Greg Langston (Barbara), and his nephew Jason Langston.
Tony will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors and escort service. As a result, funeral services will occur at a future date and time. Details will be shared once it is scheduled.
Join us in celebrating Tony’s life by toasting him with a Pabst Blue Ribbon each May 3rd as he looks down on us from the ultimate “Fabled Cat Bird Seat.”
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a donation in Tony’s memory to America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia using the link https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E19923&id=2&t=638189008632755392 or to your local food bank.
Condolences to the Saxon family & all Tony’s relatives. May his memory be a blessing ❤️
- Sheryl Josephson/Chuck Josephson, New Smyrna Beach, Fl
Remembering the many happy family gatherings over the years and sending the warmest thoughts and prayers to Tony's wife, Beth, his children, grandchildren and other family. May God bless and comfort all.
- Barbara Langston, Jacksonville, Florida
A candle has been lit!
- Barbara Langston, Jacksonville, Florida
Sending love to the entire Saxon family. We are so sorry for your loss ♥️
- Andi Hope , Sea Bright , NJ
Condolences to the Saxon family. Our thoughts are with you as you celebrate Tony's life and legacy.
- Kelly Marple, Daytona Beach, FL
My dear Beth, please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of Tony. You spoke so fondly of Tony on Facebook that no doubt the two of you were "made for each other". Your husband had a truly amazing history with various positions and responsibilities. I have walked in your shoes so I want to especially offer blessings for you and your family during this difficult time of transitioning. May each of you feel the presence of our loving God, and may He draw you nearer to Him for comfort and peace. Warmly, Susan
- Susan Nalley Bishop, LOGANVILLE, GA
Prayers for your family during this time.
- The Spisso’s, Savannah, GA
Sorry to hear of Tonys passing! Prayers for you and yours from a friend from grade school and St. Joes.
- Steve Pinkley, Bossier City , Louisiana
Beth, I just learned about Tony and my heart is so sad for you. You and Tony always made me feel so welcome in your beach house. He had such a kind demeanor and a big heart. He will be missed but he will also be remember with love. Patricia
- Patricia Jones, Daytona Beach, FL
I just found out about Tony's passing, am very sorry to hear this and feel greatly sad for his whole family. Tony was a true friend of mine and a true friend to very many more. I had the pleasure of working with tony on some of his and Beth's projects which are like we did them just yesterday even though years have past. Tony was a man that took no abuse from people but yet would not abuse anyone... He will be missed
- Michael Zimmerman, Ormond Beach, FL
Dear Beth, I am so sorry to hear that Tony has passed away. I remember him coming to our home in Savannah back in 2014 to meet, since he and my husband , Sam, had served in Viet Nam at the same time. Tony was such a joy to be around, and we both enjoyed spending the afternoon with him. Sadly, my husband recently passed away, so I know how brokenhearted you must be. My sincere condolences, Mary Ault
- Mary Ault, St Johns, Fl
Swam with Tony years 63 and 64 in the summer. Is Julie still living? Fond memories of Tony on away swim meets!
- David Richards, Somerville, Tn.
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- No Funeral Service