Anthony "Tony" Blanks, affectionately known as Mr. Tony, Pops, Grandfather, and Granddad, was born on March 5, 1962, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Mary and John L. Blanks.  He passed was on July 4, 2026, surrounded by love.

Tony was raised in Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized at an early age. His faith remained important throughout his life. He loved the Lord, enjoyed powerful preaching, and found great joy in gospel music and praise.

A graduate of Belmont High School, Tony was hard working, resourceful, and naturally entrepreneurial.  Over the years, he worked in hospitality, transportation, carpentry, and contracting.  His employment included the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Officers' Club, Damon's Ribs, Dayton Public School Transportation, and independent contracting work for the City of Dayton.

Tony also helped operate his family's business, Blanks & Sons Mini-Mart, for more than 10 years, after his father's health declined. He enjoyed working with his hands and was skilled in carpentry, home improvement, and gardening. 

Those who knew Tony will remember his outgoing personality, sharp sense of style, strong opinions, and ability to talk to just about anyone. He never met a stranger and was always willing to offer advice, whether it was requested or not. He was knowledgeable, confident, funny, and unmistakably himself.  

Tony especially loved cooking, grilling, hosting cookouts, and spending time with family and friends. He took pride in preparing meals for the people he loved and firmly believed no one could cook or grill better than he could. In Tony's mind, he was always the expert.

Above all, Tony loved his family.  He cherished his children and was grateful for the mothers who shared in raising them. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and John L. Blanks, and his infant daughter, Tonika.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Jesse of London, Ohio; Anthony of Dayton, Ohio; Mary of Atlanta, Georgia; Kierra of Atlanta, Georgia; and Antonio (Jewelisa) of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Vario, Vycever, Je'Cela, Anthony "AJ", Jemyni, Ka'Lia, Destiny, Kieon, Ayla, Emberly, Easton, and Ever. Tony's memory will live on through his siblings:  Johnnie "Rocky", Kimberly Blanks-Dinkins, Donna Simmons (John), and Gregory Blanks (Mykala), all of Dayton, Ohio

He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, including Reverend Cordell Mitchell, his lifelong friend; Reverend Jackie Robinson, and his neighbors, Tony and Jenny Benson.

Tony will be remembered for his love, compassion, strength, loyalty, and joy. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.