Anthony Dobson "Tony" Settles' Obituary
Beloved coach, teacher, and friend Tony Settles departed this life to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 19, 2021. He was 64.
Tony was a former football star at Memphis University School and was recruited to Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) on a full football scholarship. After graduating with a B.S.Ed., Tony followed in the career path set by his parents. His father, the late Andy Settles, coached football at East High School and Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College). Jeanne Dobson Settles, his late mother, was a teacher and librarian at Shrine School and other Memphis City Schools. Tony coached football and taught history for over 30 years in the Memphis area, including Lausanne Collegiate School, Fayette Academy, Frayser High School, and several other Memphis City Schools.
Tony’s students, friends, and family will long recall his passion for WW-II history, his quick wit and humor, and his caring heart inside a massive and muscled frame. He served as a counselor at Dixie Homes and Vollentine Boys Clubs in the 1980’s. His skills as a raconteur and tales of his youthful escapades will live on as “Uncle Tony Stories” and in the off-book oral history of Memphis State’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter. Tony’s many lifelong friends will remember his unwavering loyalty and selfless acts as much as his bonhomie. He was an expert barbecue chef and enjoyed competing in Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking contest for over 20 years.
Tony is survived by his brother Thomas E. “Eddie” Settles (Eve), niece Samantha Ley (Jeff), and nephews Charles A. “Drew” Settles (Danielle), Garrett Settles (Akshat Mane), and Nelson Berry; grandniece Summer Ley, and grandnephew Cody Ley. An older brother, Michael Andrew Settles,
predeceased him.
The family will receive friends 5:30-7:30 Friday, July 23, at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The service will be held at 11:30 on Saturday, July 24 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Longtime friend Rev. Terry Street, rector of St. Philip Episcopal Church, will officiate.
A brief graveside service will follow at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, at Shiloh Cemetery, Garland, Tennessee (west of Covington).
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers is asked to consider Lausanne Collegiate School (1381 West Massey Rd., Memphis TN 38120) or Fayette Academy (15090 Hwy 64, Somerville TN 38068).
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