Anthony S. Cushenberry

Anthony S. "Crusher" Cushenberry, 87, of Watkinsville flew west on November 29, 2022. He was the son of the late Sydnor and Sarah Elizabeth Cushenberry of Clute, Texas. Tony is survived by his loving wife, Marie and his children: Tony Jr. and Mindy (Fisher), Chris and Suzy (Deneke), Tracy and Sam Olson, and Jerry and Mandy (Fischbach). He was honored and revered by his 10 grandchildren: Sydney, Kaleigh, Jessica, Chase, Carin, Bentley, Zachary, Jackie, Jake, and Sarah.

Tony was honored to have served his community and his country throughout his life. He earned a scholarship to University of Georgia as a football player with all SEC and team MVP honors. Drafted to play for the Green Bay Packers but instead joined the Air Force to serve his country. He earned his pilot wings and became a fighter pilot where he honorably served 29 years including a combat tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon retirement he was hired by Vince Dooley in the UGA Athletic Department as an Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities. He oversaw the massive expansion of UGA Athletics and played the pivotal role to hosting the 1996 Olympic Games in Athens. He was past President of the Rotary Club in Athens. Upon his second retirement, he enjoyed tending to his vineyard and making wine in his beloved Oconee County.

Funeral services conducted by Bernstein Funeral Home. Church services held at The Catholic Center at UGA and graveside service with full military honors at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens on December 2, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pre-Born at https://give.preborn.com/preborn/give, UCBC-University Cancer and Blood Research at https://www.universitycancer.com/ or The Gary Sinise Foundation at https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate.