Anthony Rashad Bess

Anthony R. Bess, was born on March 5, 1986 at Camp Pendleton, CA to Johnnie Bess and Autumn Williams-Bess. He departed this life on 8 June, 2019. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was very loyal. His friends could call anytime and he was always willing to listen, laugh, and make them feel cared for. When his friends ran away from home they ran to our house (even as adults). He was an excellent cook and a master of seafood. His children were his world. He was the boss, but they were in charge, and his 5-year-old told him exactly that (she won that argument). Anthony attended DoD and public schools to include Quantico and Brooke Point. Anthony was a brick mason by trade. He loved to fish (fishing pole optional), and spend quality time with his friends and family. He loved music to include Rock, Country, old school R&B (by default), and Rap. He was taught to appreciate music for its quality not its genre. Anthony was the youngest of four. He is survived by his wife Pam, daughters Ayriana Young-Baker (mom Destiny), and Natalie Bess. Parents Johnnie and Autumn, Brothers Marcus (Tamia), Rodney, and Johnnie Jr. (Gia), Grandparents Curtis Williams, Donna Wesley (Charles), and Lori Naska. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins from all over the country. Honorary mom Rhea Mitzel and honorary siblings Sarah, Marty, Josh, and Matt Mitzel. Anthony had so many friends, many called him brother, to many to acknowledge them all by name. Special thanks to his dear friends Ronque (Que in the Clutch!), Joe (What do you need, I know somebody), Heather and Tim (because of you he was with us 10 extra months), Missy, Mike, and Steve O (partners in mischief), Dray (voice of reason/mom's enforcer), Sean, Travis, and Matt for all your love, support, and assistance to Anthony, Natalie and Autumn the past year. You all stood by him and helped out after he lost his leg and because of you he never felt abandoned. Thank you to all of his friends who have reached out and shared their stories about Anthony. To Brandy, you live the furthest away, but you spoke to him almost every day! When you love with all your heart and soul you can't help but have an impact on the people around you. The outpouring of love and respect we have received because you are our son has shown us what you gave to your friends in life, and they are holding us up in your absence. We love you so very much, we will miss you, we will cherish your memories. We will all miss your smile and laughter, kind heart, and great love of snacks!! Rest easy our precious baby boy. Don't worry, your babies will be well taken care of. Poem: To His Children Do Not Forget or Be Sad (By: Veronica S Williams) Do not forget or be sad. But always remember and be happy. For in memories, I am always alive, and shall always be with you. This is not an end but a new beginning. Sing and be joyous. For I have lived, and I have given life, so that you may live and enjoy all that I have and more. As you grew, I grew with you. Through each change, every good time, and every bad time. Through hellos and good-byes. Each tear of pain, each tear of joy, I cried with you. Remember them all, and I shall never be forgotten. The family wishes to thank Greg Wright and Staff at Mobility Prosthetics, the staff at Stafford Mary Washington Hospital, and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fredericksburg for the wonderful care Anthony received. He once commented "so this is what good insurance looks like!" We would also like to thank Burn's Masonry for giving him a chance and teaching him a trade skill and thank you for your support the past year. You treated him like a close friend and we are forever grateful.