Russell Anthony "Tony" Widener

Russell Anthony "Tony" Widener, 54, died suddenly on Thursday, May 23, 2013, in East Point, Ga. He was predeceased by his wife Teresa Widener and father Hulett Hall Widener, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Bettye Tate Widener; two sons, Jonathon Russell Widener, 25, and Daniel Tate Widener, 20; daughter Mary Elizabeth Widener, 21, all of East Point; siblings Debrajane (Andy) Ullrich of Athens; David Hulett (Beth) Widener of Sharpsburg; and Alyson Lee Widener of Griffin; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be at Donehoo-Lewis Funeral Home in Hapeville, Ga., from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on May 26. The funeral will be held Monday, May 27th at First Baptist Church of East Point, 11:00 a.m. in the chapel with Rev. J.W. Wallis officiating.
Tony was born in Atlanta, Ga. at Georgia Baptist Hospital on August 22, 1958. He graduated from Russell High School in 1976 and in 2005 received his B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Mercer University. He was an avid reader and was considered a bibliophile by his family and friends. His passion for learning is a legacy to his children as they pursue higher education; Jonathon is preparing for medical school as a graduate of Point University, where Daniel and Mary Beth are students.
Tony was a skilled craftsman and worked as a contractor and project manager for much of his career. His love of building lead him to Massachusetts in his 20s, where he spent four weeks learning "post and beam" construction techniques. He had an interest in period furniture, once extensively researching a Quaker china cabinet and the techniques used to make it. He used original plans from the 1700s and even worked to duplicate its purple stain. The piece is a testament to his great skill and still adorns his mother's dining room.
Tony was a lifelong resident of East Point and worked for the city as a firemen and EMT--perfect jobs for someone who loved to help people as he did. He pursued political office in East Point and served two terms as a city councilman, a position that gave him the opportunity to help more people no matter the need or circumstance. His kind heart, eternal optimism, and generous pocketbook guided his career at city hall. In recognition of his civic commitment he was named "Mr. East Point," in 1999 a well-deserved tribute from his native city.
Tony had many passions and interests. He loved cooking and was a connoisseur of Southern comfort food. He loved nature in all of its forms. He was a skilled fisherman and hunter who felt closest to God hiking a mountain trail or wading in a Georgia stream. His stories of turkey hunting or trout fishing were filled with adventure and excitement that made a city-dweller long for a weekend on the river or in the woods. He loved all types of music and taught himself to play his favorite songs on the piano. He had a wonderful voice and enjoyed singing in the car, shower, and even at family gatherings.
Although plagued with poor health the past two years, Tony remained optimistic for his and his family's future. He was a caring and loving father, beloved brother, faithful son, and devoted friend. He will be missed by those who had a chance to be part of his life, but there are many fond memories to comfort grieving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family ask you donate to the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Donate to Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
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