Anthony Lucas

Born April 21, 1956, on Chicago's South Side, Tony was the son of Lenton Robert Lucas and Cecelia Mae Adams-Lucas. He attended Dunbar Vocational Highschool, where he was a four-letter varsity football player and earned All-American honors. Leading up to his graduation in 1974, Tony received multiple football scholarships to college, but instead decided to serve his country and see the world in the United States Marine Corps.
In the Marines, Tony served as a Security Officer for the United States Embassy in the Caribbean and as an Audio Visual Librarian for the Library of Congress. He was honorably discharged with a Good Conduct Medal. After completing his service, Tony decided to pursue a career in Media Engineering.
Tony earned a degree in Electronic Engineering from Devry University and a First Class FCC License. He got his start in media working at WBEZ Radio Chicago, the Catholic Television Network, and WCIU-TV Chicago. However, Tony's big break into major television networks came from a fellow Marine Veteran who helped him secure a job at ABC News WLS-TV Chicago, where he worked for over 25 years in a number of different roles including Sound Engineer, Video Editor, Camera Operator, and Technical Director. His crowning career achievement was covering the 1984 Summer Olympics, where his work won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement. It was with this achievement Tony was inducted into the Dunbar Hall of Fame, alongside notable alumni such as Mr. T, Jennifer Hudson, and Bernard Shaw. Other career highlights include covering the 1988 Republican National Convention and working with The Oprah Winfrey Show.
In addition to his successful media career, Tony was an entrepreneur who owned the entertainment venue Media Blitz, which showcased up-and-coming talent in the city. It was here he met his wife Lucretia, whom he married in 1991. Tony was deeply involved in his community and was a member of various organizations, including the Lockport Galleries Council, the Chatham Business Association, and Broadcast Kids TV, where he mentored children interested in pursuing a career in broadcast media.
Above all, Tony was a an extremely devout Christian and father, getting baptized at the same time as his son Kevin in 1991 and playing a large role in the baptism of his daughter India in 1997. He attributed all of his success to God's Greater Glory and was not ashamed to be the loudest person in the room when it came to Jesus.
Tony is survived by his wife, Lucretia; his son, Kevin (Cornita); his daughter, India (Allen); his eight grandchildren, Jay'Denn, David, Alanna, Autumn, Maria, Karter, Ka'Leyah, and Kamarynn; his brothers, Ronald and Angelo; his sisters, DeBora and Shevelle, and a host of other family, friends, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his sister Lorittia, who passed away in 2021.
Tony will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His infectious personality, unwavering faith, and dedication to his family and community will be remembered and cherished forever.
A graveside service for Anthony will be held Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at Autumn Woods Cemetery, 6240 Davidson Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Lucas family.