Anthony LaVon Bennett, Sr. better known as Tony, an only child, was born February 6, 1946, in Newport News, Virginia to the late William Roger Bennett and Fletcher Sessoms Bennett.

He received his public school education in the Newport News Public School system. As an adolescent, he was inspired by observing the dignity, professionalism, and compassion of the morticians in his community as they served families during their time of need—an experience that planted the seed for his lifelong calling.

Tony was a proud graduate of Huntington High School, Class of 1965—affectionately known as "The Greatest Class Alive." Known as a true man of all seasons, he served as manager of the boys' basketball team and statistician, embodying the spirit of a mighty Huntington Viking.

He went on to attend Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), where he was a student-athlete and formed lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply. On December 16, 1967, Tony was initiated into the Nu Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. A devoted and loyal Omega man, he strongly believed in brotherhood, community service, and friendship, living the Omega motto faithfully until his final breath.

In 1969, Tony earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts. Determined to pursue his childhood dream of owning a funeral home, he later attended John Tyler Community College, where he obtained an associate degree in Mortuary Science.

In 1977, Mr. Bennett, his wife Eleanor Quash Bennett, and their children relocated to 515 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and founded Bennett's Funeral Home. Upon moving to Fredericksburg, he joined Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) and faithfully served on various church committees. Utilizing his Industrial Arts background, Mr. Bennett began teaching at Stafford Middle School and later at A.G. Wright Middle School. Never content to stop growing professionally, he earned a master's degree in administration and Supervision from George Mason University and dedicated more than thirty years of service to Stafford County Public Schools.

Mr. Bennett worked tirelessly to expand his funeral home business while serving in numerous leadership roles throughout the community. He was an influential member of the Fredericksburg City School Board, where he served as Chairman for several years. His leadership and advocacy played a pivotal role in shaping education and community advancement in Fredericksburg.

In 2002, his son Tony, Jr. joined him in the family business, and the company was renamed A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, Inc. As the business continued to grow, strategic planning led to its relocation in 2005 to its current location at 200 Butternut Drive. Notably, Mr. Bennett was the last Black-owned business owner to leave the 500 block of Princess Anne Street, marking the end of a historic era.

Tony took great pride in serving families with compassion, dignity, and excellence. He lived by his business motto, "Performing a Sacred Trust". His professional and civic affiliations prior to his health decline included the Tau Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Rho Boule', Prince Hall Masons, former member of Virginia Morticians Association Inc., and the Richmond Funeral Directors Association, Inc.

In his leisure time, Tony enjoyed spending time with his family and coworkers, riding his bicycle, or walking the Fredericksburg metro area, watching his favorite television program 60 Minutes, following sports, and reading the local newspaper from front to back daily.

On the evening of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Tony, Sr. peacefully transitioned into eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory two children, Addrienne "Shernita" and Anthony, Jr. "Tony, Jr."; three grandchildren, London "Khandice," Ameer, and Alaia; one great-grandson, Jody; extended family, including cousins, nieces, nephews; and devoted caregivers.

A viewing will be held at Temple of Deliverance HCG Inc., 5756 Zachary Taylor Hwy, Mineral, VA, 23117, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. An additional viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the, Epsilon Rho Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Omega Service being held from 6:00 PM to 6:25 PM followed by The Omega Psi Phi Memorial Service from 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM. A final viewing will be held at James Monroe High School, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 9:30 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 AM. Click here to view a live streaming of the Celebration of Life. Click here to view the funeral service program. Click here to view a Celebration of Life presentation in honor of Anthony LaVon Bennett, Sr. The interment will follow at Sylvannah Baptist Church Cemetery, 8400 Courthouse Road Bldg., Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22551.