Tony L. Wilder, Sr.

Wilder ~ Tony Lewis Wilder Sr. was born on October 24, 1961, at Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, to Spencer Wilder and Dorothy Wilder. He departed this life on September 13, 2026, at the age of 64.

Tony lived in Miami, Florida, before moving to St. Augustine, Florida, where he met and married the love of his life, Cheryl Ann Wilder. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage and raised four children: Tony Lewis Wilder Jr., Terence Lamar Wilder, Mariah Chellette Wilder, and Brittany Aletta Wilder.

One of Tony’s greatest roles was being a father. He was an amazing and present father who loved his children deeply, showed up for them, provided guidance, and remained a steady presence in their lives. His fatherly love extended beyond his own children to others who looked to him for wisdom and support. His dedication to family was not simply something he spoke about; it was something he lived.

A businessman at heart, Tony believed in hard work. His passion was drywall finishing, a craft he dedicated more than 40 years of his life to. Tony also had a special ability to see beauty and value in what others might overlook. Whether it was an old house, a piece of clothing, or a person, he saw something worth appreciating, restoring, and believing in.

Faith was at the center of Tony’s life. He dedicated his life to serving Christ and lived by the values of faith, family, and servitude. As a spiritual counselor and friend to many, he offered wisdom, encouragement, and a helping hand to those around him.

An avid reader, Tony had a deep love for Black history, especially autobiographies and biographies. He also loved to travel, learn, and experience the world around him.

Those who knew Tony will remember the sayings that were unmistakably his: “99 and a half won’t do,” “Gotta keep it real,” “You’ll get it one day,” and “You’ll know who I am when I’m gone.” His words reflected his personality, wisdom, humor, and the lessons he wanted others to understand.

In Tony’s final moments, the love that defined so much of his life remained present. Speaking of his beloved wife, Cheryl, he said simply and tenderly, “I love that girl.” In those four words, he captured a lifetime of love.

Tony leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and hard work. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a man of faith, a counselor, a friend, and someone who saw worth and possibility where others sometimes did not.

Tony once told those closest to him, “You’ll know who I am when I’m gone.” His family knew who he was while he was here. The life he lived, the people he loved, the lessons he taught, and the lives he touched will continue to tell his story.

Surrounded by his wife and children, Tony left his family with one final instruction—words that now serve as a fitting close to a life well lived:

“Come on, let’s close this out.”

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer Wilder and Dorothy Wilder, and his sisters, Beverly Wilder and Debbie Maye.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Cheryl Ann Wilder; children, Tony Lewis Wilder Jr. (Quana) of Florida, Terence Lamar Wilder of Florida, Mariah Chellette Simpson (Chris) of South Carolina, Brittany Aletta Wilder (Rick) of South Carolina; beloved nephew, Samuel Robinson of Colorado, with whom Tony shared a special father-and-son bond; siblings, Mary Ann Parks of Georgia, Bernard Wilder of Florida, Larry Wilder, and Isaac Wilder of Florida; a host of loving relatives and friends.

Graveside Service for Tony Lewis Wilder, Sr. will be 10:00 AM Saturday, September 26, 2026, Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 North Main Street. Visitation Saturday from 9 – 10 AM at The Cemetery.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400

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