Remembering Tony. Lamont Artis Memorial

“In loving memory of father, husband, coach Lamont “Tony” Artis. His influence on everyone who met him will never be forgotten. Tony wanted everyone to reach their highest star. With an unmatched intensity, he was quick to help all friends and family in need, while shouldering multiple jobs, caring for his 84 year old father, sending his children to higher education; including two stepsons he raised from a young age as his own. Tony was known to love beach sunsets, Corvettes, weekly trips from DC to Hampton roads for some rounds of golf with his dad, and laughs with family. Tony was rarely missing from the annual family reunion. Many regarded him as a cheerleader, confidant, mentor. His efforts to make a lasting impact on this world didn’t stop with individuals he met, but extended into his career— beginning with an electrical technician position with the navy, he worked diligently until his work was in high demand.

Tony always wanted to pay it forward, and always rooted for the underdog, the sleeper hit. He took his network engineering talents to the Cherokee nation—of which he is a descendant by 4 generations—and finally to the government itself, working for the Small Business Administration in 2021, a permanent position he achieved without any formal certifications, and strictly through his own merit, and critical thinking ability.

Since a young age, Tony was one to take something apart just to see if he could learn how it worked, and then reassemble it. He took risks by starting his own businesses, from selling clothing at the flea market as a teen, to a cellular network startup. Tony helped his wife start her own salon, and then jewelry business—investing in not only his dreams but those of his loved ones.

He did all of this with two transplanted kidneys, chronic illness, on and off bouts of dialysis, and a number of family deaths. He was there no matter what he was going through. Many of us forgot we were looking at a man who beat all the odds.

No family was too extended for Tony. All of his family misses him (and his sense of humor) heavily, dearly, and desperately.

Tony lived a whole life, rich with love, laughs and joyful experiences. He knew transformation, struggle, triumph, and peace. Toward the end of his life we saw a side of him that was so deeply accepting of what life could ever bring his way, and the acceptance of other people, it seemed as though he achieved enlightenment.

As of January 2nd, 2022, Tony passed away due to Covid-19 related complications.

While he has left us at the age of only 59, he still, and will always remind us of how to make the most of every moment, how to find that God-given talent and nurture it, how to admit we’re wrong sometimes, how to embrace someone and tell them how much you love them, how to pay someone a visit no matter how long it’s been.

He was an example of what it is to be born with a mission, and complete it—even if the mission is just to be happy.

Thank you so much for everything.

Tony Artis is survived by his wife, daughter, and two stepsons.

We are collecting donations for the funeral proceedings which will occur the 2nd week of January, in order to lighten the financial burden on his wife, and to accommodate a substantial presence of people who would like to say their goodbyes. Tony will likely have over 100 visitors. We’ve chosen a large venue that can allow for social distancing. His wife and kids want everyone to feel welcome, comfortable and safe as we celebrate his life, and his journey onward.