Tony Proctor

Tony LaGrant Proctor December 20, 1938-January 7, 2025.
It's with much sadness but rejoicing that he is with God, that we announce the passing of Tony Proctor on January 7, 2025 at the age of 86. He peacefully passed in the early morning hours at the Albertville Nursing Home (Rehab Select) after 15 days in hospice. Tony battled Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia but fought very hard to keep his physical strength and exercise his mind to the very end. As you might imagine he greeted everyone he saw and spent the days going to therapy and visiting around the facility staff, guests and residents alike. He visited one special resident everyday, his wife Nona Proctor on 61 years.
Tony was born at home in Crossville, Alabama to his late parents, E.P. Proctor and (Stella) Winona Upton Proctor. He was a country boy through and through yet strived in his live to acquire an education and later become a successful teacher and realtor. Those roots that he embodied never left him and he always treasured connections with his immediately and extended family members. Many of which reside anywhere from California to Alaska. Tony was extremely close with his siblings Randy Proctor and Emily Proctor Hill. He is preceded in death by his older sister Sunny Charlotte Proctor who passed at a very young age. It wasn't unusual to see Randy and Tony out visiting folks, attending milestone events or going fishing. They had a mutual love of westerns in particular and enthusiastically discussed this topic. His sister Emily and he would sit and play music together. Tony would play trumpet and Emily would play piano and sing. They also loved traveling out west and going on trips as a family. So many fun memories together over the years.
Tony was a renaissance man. He loved to be outdoors fishing, working in the yard, loved listening to and playing music (piano, trumpet, harmonica & singing) reading and poetry, movies, playing baseball, basketball, watching boxing, studying ancestry, participating in church activities and spending time with family.
Tony graduated from Crossville High School then went on to graduate from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a degree in education while at the same time playing baseball and basketball for The Tide. He attended UA Baseball team reunions and formed a tight knit bond with teammates. There is a story that his parents didn't know that he was playing a second sport until they heard his name then spotted him during a state tournament while watching tv one afternoon. He forgot to tell them. Needless to say they were very proud.
After graduating from the University of Alabama, he obtained his Master's degree from Alabama A & M University in Special Education. He worked in the field for many years and just adored all his students. He had a real passion for helping kids with special needs. He had a way of reaching each child exactly where they were. Helping them reach their greatest potential. He was patient and steady.
In addition, Tony was also a successful basketball coach, taking teams from relative obscurity to state tournaments in almost no time at all. He was gaining attention for his efforts. Ultimately, he decided to move into teaching special education full time.
In later years, he added real estate to his résumé while still teaching full-time. He eventually retired from teaching and worked in real estate where he really shined. He genuinely loved meeting people and helping them find their next home. Ultimately, his last stop was at Spurlin & Company. Don Spurlin and he formed not only an amazing working relationship but more importantly, a life long friendship. Don, Sherry & their daughter Emma became family.
Tony was an amazing father and grandfather. He took such great joy in the accomplishments of his daughter, Jennifer and his granddaughters Scarlett and Regan. He often visited no matter where the military took them and quickly integrated himself into every community. Tony and Nona both were always there to assist during deployment and times of extended work commitments. They attended to piano recitals, soccer games, band competitions, church programs and assisted in everyday tasks like making meals, helping get ready for school and helping with homework. Consequently, when they would visit Albertville, they would help in the garden, run errands and attend church. As they got older, they would often message Tony for advice. They shared a very special bond. In his last few months, both got to visit with him and had many meaningful discussions about life.
Tony always had a smile, a warm handshake, a hug, a good story and/or a joke to share. Every person he met made an indelible mark upon him. He always strived to be better in everything he did. He was humble, hard-working and the first to give a compliment for anyone else that had success. If you won, then Tony won too.
Tony always said that he wasn't afraid of dying. It was the living that was hard. In the end, he reported to everyone he was at peace and he had a good life. Tony believed in his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and that he would have eternal life through him. Today is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Tony is survived by beloved wife of 61 years, Nona Proctor, his sister Emily Proctor Hill (Richard Hill), his nieces Sara Hill and Amanda Hill, his beloved sister-in-law, Janice Proctor, (late Randy Proctor), his nephew John Proctor (Fannie Proctor), his daughter Jennifer Proctor Southerland, his granddaughters Regan Southerland and Scarlett Southerland and their father Dolph Southerland.
Tony was always one to pay it forward. He would love nothing more to help find a cure for Parkinson's Disease. A tribute page had been established in his honor on the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Research Foundation website for this purpose.
If you feel so moved you can simply leave a hopeful comment or donate for research.
Funeral services for Mr. Proctor will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Adams Brown Service Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and loved ones at 1:00 pm till the time of service, and burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery of the Painter Community.