Robert A. Tongue

Robert Anthony Tongue, 89 of Mayo, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was the son of the late Eldridge and Helen Tongue. He attended Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Robert retired from the United States Air Force and worked for the Community Action Agency as an Outreach Worker; the South County Health Center in Owensville, MD; and St. Mary's Church as a security guard. He also retired a second time as a Deputy Sheriff of the Anne Arundel County Sheriff Department. He was a long time member of Cecil Memorial United Methodist Church in Annapolis, MD where he served as a lay speaker for many years; and he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. After retirement, he served as a volunteer for several non-profit organizations, including the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. He was a Black Belt in Aikido and taught classes for many years. He was preceded in death by both parents, Eldridge and Helen Tongue, sister Maxine Tongue, and cousins, James Tyler, Mintie Turner, and Marjorie Frazier. He is survived by his wife, Shirley L. Jackson-Tongue, children Dennis Tongue, Henrietta Leighty, Tralene Putman, Francesca Butler, and Larry Brown, Jr., one sister Helen Largent, goddaughter Alicia Brown, and godson Kelijah Brown. He was also a father figure to Anthony Vaughn and Arnie "AJ" Jones. 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; including one devoted nephew, Arthur Largent. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, 31 W. Washington St., Annapolis, MD 21401 as follows: Viewing from 11am-12pm; Funeral Service 12pm-1:30pm.