E. Tony Wilson

Edward Anthony Wilson of Bowie, Maryland, affectionately known as Tony, passed away into eternity on January 12, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 65 years old. Born on May 20, 1957, Tony was the eldest child of Willis Thomas Wilson, Sr. and Wilma Bernadine Wilson. Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marguerite Fay Boyd, Tony is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Angela Jackson Wilson.

Tony was a graduate of Montgomery Blair High School where he was a standout student and an athlete on the 1975 Maryland State Championship boys basketball team. He graduated from Norfolk State University with a B.S. degree in Mathematics/Special Emphasis in Computer Science. As High School classmates during the mid 1970’s Tony and Angie locked eyes, but a romantic connection did not develop until the late 1980’s. After a four-year courtship, they married on September 20, 1992 and began a loving journey together that would last until his passing. Together they enjoyed traveling, hand-dancing, entertaining and evenings out on the town. Celebrating holidays with family was truly special. Tony was “head over heels” for Angie and their son, Toussaint Jackson, and delighted in demonstrating his love for them in countless ways. Tony was a great humanitarian, leader, and motivator who loved helping people, especially children. In 2002 he founded and served as President/CEO of Will to Win, Inc., a non-profit foundation established to provide youth development and enrichment programs that focused on: leadership training; career interest assessment; interpersonal skills; opportunities for internships and academic and athletic scholarships; financial literacy; organizational skills; and problem solving. Tony not only helped children develop the requisite skills to achieve success in the classroom, sports, and life, but he also mentored parents about internships and scholarship opportunities for their children and the complexities of the college admissions and sports recruitment process.

Tony was the first Commissioner of the Bowie Boys and Girls Club Youth Basketball League. He volunteered his time to train and coach boys and girls in basketball and led open gym play for members of the Bowie community and surrounding areas. Civic-minded and committed to public service, Tony served as an election official for the City of Bowie during federal and state elections. Remarkably, Tony accomplished all of the foregoing and more while performing at the highest level in his professional career.

During his distinguished 37-year career as a computer engineer, Tony led various major projects as Project Director, Project Leader, Senior Consultant, Senior Lead Consultant, and Project Manager in the private sector for a number of companies, including Singer Link, Sperry Corporation, ARINC, Inc., Computer Science Corp., Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC: Department of Labor, Soft-Con Enterprise: Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration (ETA) just to name a few. Tony also led other projects for additional private sector companies as a contractor for the United States Departments of Defense and the Treasury. Many knew Tony as an athlete and outdoorsman. However, his wife, Angie, captured him best, describing Tony as “my cowboy.” An animal lover, Tony was particularly fond of horses and dogs. He relished those days when he could ride his beautiful horse, Patriot, in the countryside of Howard County. He loved attending the annual Bill Pickett Rodeo, shooting hoops with friends, and attending Maryland State Basketball Championships with friends. You could also find Tony watching old western movies and cowboy shows, an interest he shared with his father. A deep thinker, he never missed an opportunity for a robust, substantive conversation with friends or family who enjoyed these thought-provoking discussions and adored his infectious smile, playful sense of humor, unstinting love and friendship, dedication to improving the life of others, and zest for life. Tony had a deep and abiding faith in God and was anchored in his devotion to his family, friends and community. He loved the big family meals during the holidays and regularly checked on loved ones and friends. Tony would travel any distance to support family and friends when performing their craft, be it basketball, table tennis, football, or theater arts. When asked to explain the most important things he wanted people to know about him, Tony responded: “I always have been concerned about being a servant to mankind. I deeply love kids, my friends, sports, good music, animals and nature, and most of all my wife and family. I am thankful to God for guiding me through this path of life.”

In addition to his beloved wife, Angela, Tony is survived by his son Toussaint Jackson (Diana Rosario); god-children, Amara Sargent, Je’Vaughn Sargent, Alyssa Sargent, Ashley Ragland, and Kalyn Nelson; sister Christine K. Wilson; brother Willis T. Wilson, Jr. (Vicki); niece, Kristin Wilson (Adam Slagle); nephews Zachary Wilson (Ruth), Keenan Wilson, Derek Boyd (Hollie Robinson), Steven Boyd; great-nieces and great-nephews, Eden Wilson, Cierra Robinson, Tiana Carlisle, Riley Robinson, Everton Boyd; and devoted uncle George Greene. Tony touched countless lives and leaves behind a host of cherished family, friends and associates who will miss him dearly.