Anthony Tyler Sherlock

On August 22, 2016 Anthony Tyler Sherlock passed from this world. Anthony battled leukemia for almost two years and his fight was a nobel one indeed. Anthony was not a stranger to adversity. Born premature with some significant health challenges he fought as an infant to survive and then thrive. Anthony spent his formative years in Panama City, FL with his mother Jenifier and his brother Jeremy. He played all sports, was a mainstay at the Boys and Girls Club

as well as being an excellent student and giving member of his church. During his teen years Anthony lived with his father Ike, step mother Jennifer, and

brothers Hazen and Connor, and his grandparents Ed and Karen Mayfield. Anthony lived in Macclenny, FL, Front Royal, VA, as well as Lake City, FL and Lady Lake, FL. At the time of his most recent illness he was living in Jacksonville, FL. Anthony was also a proud member of the Florida Army National Guard and thought military service to his country to be one of his greatest honors. That’s the basics. Where Anthony lived, immediate family, schools, etc. To understand who Anthony really was I think it important to look at how he died. Anthony was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2014. He was immediately transferred the The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and started on a very aggressive treatment plan. Anthony told me he had two goals. One, to beat cancer. Two, to show his 3 little brothers how a man deals with adversity. To say that Anthony’s fight was anything less than heroic would not begin to do him justice. I cannot count the hundreds of trips to Mayo for chemo, spinal taps, tests, probes, and dozens of other horrible and painful procedures I didn't know existed prior to beginning this part of Anthony’s journey with him. Long nights shot through with pain, sickness, night sweats, and misery. The cancer treatment process is not unique. Everyone who fights has to endure the unhappiness listed above. How Anthony faced and fought is what was remarkable. He never complained. He was never depressed. He was never frustrated. He got up every single morning, brushed his teeth, got a shower, got dressed, and faced the day. Sometimes all he could manage was to make it to the couch to lie back down but he always kept moving forward just as fast as his body would allow. His favorite thing to do when he had to be admitted to Mayo (which was often) was to roam the halls seeking out other patients or family members of other patients so he could introduce himself and offer encouragement. He was always more concerned about others care, mindset, and fight than his own. There was not a doctor, nurse, orderly, staff member, or parking attendant that he didn't introduce himself to. He remembered the names and no matter how sick he was from chemo he would go

out of his way to say hi or acknowledge them. He fought cancer fiercely but to the those who loved him and the rest of the world he only showed a calm dignity,

determination, and confidence. I know that if you spoke to Anthony at any time in the last 22 months you heard him say “I got this”. It has become and I suspect will always remain a very meaningful catch phrase in the Sherlock family. Anthony radiated love. He loved people. He loved dogs. He loved music, video

games, and anime. Anthony’s first love of his life, Lindsey Eatmon, was very sick and passed away. Anthony stayed with Lindsey, nursed her, and gave her comfort and happiness until the very end. His good karma was repaid when God put Geneviene Babb in Anthony’s life. Genna nursed Anthony, gave him comfort, made him incredibly happy, and supported him until the very end. I have mentioned the Mayo Clinic several time. When Anthony became sick we

wanted the absolute best cancer treatment money could buy. We went to world renowned Mayo Clinic for treatment but they didn't treat Anthony for cancer.

Instead they stood beside him, held his hand, and courageously fought cancer with Anthony. They were 100% emotionally invested and I have no doubt that Anthony would not have gone as deep in this fight as he did without their love, support, and amazing medical care. Dr. Foran, Dr. Reimer, and all of the staff are heroes and fighters as well. Anthony was taken too soon. He didn’t have the opportunity to establish his own family though if he had I am certain he would have been an amazing father. He didn't have the opportunity to establish himself in a career. What he does leave in terms of legacy though is more than most men leave in a lifetime. He leaves behind a devoted family that he loved and who adored him. He leaves behind a large circle of friends who were all touched by his kindness and inclusiveness. But more than anything else Anthony leaves the legacy of a Warrior. He fought with grace and dignity his entire life. He accomplished the goal he set for himself when first diagnosed with cancer. He showed his brothers and the rest of us how a man faces adversity. he showed us grace, he showed us courage, and he showed us love.

Rest in peace my beautiful son. I could not be more proud of the man you became.

Love,

Dad