Our Anthony, to know him was to love him. His beautiful smile, vivacious personality, quick wit and generous spirit culminated in a dynamic individual who loved God, his family, his friends and his work.

Anthony Tyrone McDuff was born in Jacksonville, TX on January 24, 1968, the second of the late Paul and Ray Jean McDuff's four children. Raised in the small, close-knit community of Elm Grove Anthony attended school in Rusk, graduating from Rusk High School in 1986.

Anthony was a lifelong member of the Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church which he united with at a young age. He served faithfully, as an usher and singing in the choir during his youth and later working with the children as an adult.

During his high school years Anthony attended Barbizon Modeling School. Following his graduation from High School Anthony attended Cosmetology school and became a licensed cosmetologist. He worked for the Westin Hotel as a PBX operator for a few years prior to returning home to Rusk.

In 2004 Anthony relocated to Tyler, TX where he discovered his true calling as the Assistant Funeral Director at Brooks-Sterling and Garrett Funeral Home. He was a consummate professional in his work and is well remembered in the Tyler community for his commitment to ensuring that patrons were treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Returning to Houston in 2014 Anthony joined the staff of Allen Dave Funeral Home where he continued his work in the funeral business until his sudden illness in June of 2022.

Anthony loved to cook, entertain and travel. Family and friends could not wait for him to bring out that enormous pot and cook up some gumbo "Mama Odie" style. Anthony traveled extensively during his lifetime and was especially fond of cruises. His creativity, attention to detail and eye for beauty led him to be quite talented in interior decorating and floral design. He loved fashion and was a very sharp dresser as well. Anthony was truly one in a million and his absence in the lives of those who loved him leaves a void that can never be filled.

Anthony was preceded in death by both of his parents. He leaves to forever cherish his memory and celebrate his life brothers; Derrick (Cynthia) McDuff of Rusk, TX and Gregory (Indus) McDuff of Tyler, TX; "Baby Sister" Kindi (Ronnie) Sheperd of Rosharon, TX; nephews Christian McDuff of Tyler, TX, Derrick McDuff Jr (DJ) of Rusk, TX, and Dyran McDuff of Dallas, TX; nieces Rawlisha Session of Rusk, TX, Braneesha McDuff of Rusk, TX and his beloved "Fruit Loops" Jayla McDuff of Tyler, TX; aunts Rosie Ross of Houston, TX, Joann Pipkin of Mesquite, TX and Andrea Hughes of St. Louis, Mo; special cousin Linda Ross of Houston, TX whom he described as his "role model"; special friends Brandon, Bryce and Bella Carrington all of Houston, TX as well as an abundance of cousins, other family and "friendmily."