Birth date: Apr 25, 1923 Death date: Feb 4, 2007
Anthony John ?Tony? Valentino, age 83, died at home of his dear friends on February 4, 2007, following a courageous battle with cancer. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 2:00 PM in the First United Method Read Obituary
I interviewed Tony and two of his friends about the time he served at Guadalcanal. I was a reporter for the Kilgore News Herald. His story touched my life and inspired me. I just learned of his passing, and wanted to say that this was a good man and I know heaven is blessed to have him.##imported-begin##Annette Darling Pecorino##imported-end##
Tony was a special person to me I first met him when he was in business on south green street. He once tried to sign me up for the Marine reserves. That was just his style he was a fun person and a good business man also. I enjoyed going to his store just to talk to him. What a great man to do business with.##imported-begin##James L. Wasson##imported-end##
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tony's family and friends. If you went into Tony's store you always walked away with a smile from a story he would tell you, a new friend and what every you went into buy. Tony was one that the Lord put in our lives to make us smile.##imported-begin##John H. Barksdale##imported-end##
We will miss our treasured friend and fan. Tony & Ms Belle came often to our concerts and we appreciate all their support through the years.
I also can remember what fun it was going into "Tony's" as a little girl with my dad for fishing supplies.
What a blessing to know him!
East Mountain Bluegrass Gospel Band
Julie & Mike Tucker, Art Mauldin, Randall Waldron##imported-begin##Julie Tucker##imported-end##
He was a true, classic, Old School Marine. They honestly do not make them like that anymore. I have many many fond memories of going into Tony's. I bought a .22 rifle from him, one of my first gun purchases ever as a young man. He will be misssed.
Semper Fidelis Tony Valentino
Capt. Darren B. Jones, USMC##imported-begin##Darren Jones##imported-end##
I first met Tony when my mother took me into his store to buy life jackets. There, Tony discovered that I didn't know how to swim. He said "bring him to the Y on Monday afternoon... I'll teach him to swim the Marine Corp way!" And Tony did just that! I have had such fond memories of Tony. I worked for Tony in high school and through college. He would great all who walked through his doors "Come on in cousin". When checking out, he would give everybody a special deal. "Since it's your birthday ..." or "I'm going to give you the brother-in-law price." I always loved to see the expressions on the customer's face when buying a flashlight. When asked if it was a good one, Tony would say that flashlight would shine from Longview to Gilmer.
I feel very fortunate to have known such a great man as Tony. I don't think I would be the person I am today or would have accomplished the things I have thus far in life if it wasn't for Tony. He always gave from his heart and was a true friend to all.
"Boris" as Tony called me##imported-begin##Morris Booth##imported-end##
I can't express how much of an impact your Tony has had on SO MANY folks around here. "Being one of Tony's Cousins" is fondly recounted by my friends and I Year after Year after Year!! His influence on me as a storekeeper and a GOOD MAN cannot be measured. Tony ALWAYS made Me & others feel like he TREASURED My Visit and My Business. He will Never be forgotten. God Bless Tony and his family WAAAY Too Many Cousins to list.##imported-begin##Carter Tucker##imported-end##
MONJELETA COCKALAROACHA!!!!! I ALWAYS LOVED TO HEAR BANANA NOSE HOLLER THAT AND I LEARNED IT FROM HIM AND STILL HOLLER IT MYSELF..MET TONY WHEN HE OPENED UP ON GREEN STREET AND ENJOYED HIS COMPANY AND FRIENDSHIP EVER SINCE. A GOOD PERSON WHO WILL BE MISSED..MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.##imported-begin##JIM BLAKELEY##imported-end##
I?ve known Tony all of my life, I traded with him at his store on Green and then when he moved to the Mobberly location. My father traded with him while he was in Arkansas. Through the years we would make contact and he would always say ?we go way back don?t we Keeton?. He will be much missed.##imported-begin##Dan Keeton##imported-end##
We have fond memories of Tony and spent many laughter-filled hours with him in the sporting goods store and at Trades Days. He never failed to ask about our daughter, Heather, whom he met in 1982 when we adopted her at age 2. He was a loving, caring person whom we will miss greatly.
Duke and Betty Morgan
Jefferson, TX##imported-begin##Betty Morgan##imported-end##
