Mr. Antonio "Tonio, Tony" Martinelli Townsend

On Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 5:30 pm, Antonio M. Townsend loving husband, father, son, and brother unexpectedly entered his eternal home peacefully at Atrium Health-Main at the age of 50.

On January 25, 1971, Tony was born in Charlotte, NC to the late Sam Edward Townsend and Thelma Mason Townsend.  Tony attended Little Rock AME Zion Church during his early years and participated in many youth activities.  He was educated in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and graduated from Harry P. Harding University in 1989, where he excelled in football, wrestling, and track and field at Harding University.  In 1988, Tony appeared in an article in the Charlotte Observer for his outstanding play as a linebacker, which won him a full scholarship to Livingston College.  He studied at Livingstone College and attended Central Piedmont Community College.  He later enlisted in the US Naval Reserves, completing a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia.

He also was a professional wrestler with the World Wrestling Federation traveling the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee areas (his grandfather Mason was excited to watch him on television).

Tony worked as a Taco Bell and Bojangles manager during his early years of employment and as a warehouse manager with various companies in Charlotte, NC.  In 1996, he became a franchise owner with Jani-King, operating his own successful janitorial business.  Tony employed his grandmother Mason and provided part-time jobs for individuals who could not obtain stable employment.  He later decided to go to truck driving school to learn to drive an 18-wheeler truck.  He became a long-distance truck driver for about a year traveling to various cities.  After driving for several trucking companies, Tony became an independent truck driver owning his trucking company until his heath failed.

Tony knew as a young man that he wanted a wife and family.  While working at Taco Bell, Tony met the love of his life, CaTina Renee' Maxwell.  They married on August 03, 1996.  Tony and Tina celebrated 25 years of marriage on August 06, 2021, with an elegant party with family and friends.

He enjoyed being with his immediate family , most often the only man at family functions.  He would offer his male point of view when requested or needed.  Tony was a super Raider fan since the age of eight.  He had a lot of Raider gear, and his favorite colors were black and silver.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Sam Edward Townsend, maternal and paternal grandparents, two aunts, and two uncles.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories of his loving wife of 25 years, Mrs. CaTina Maxwell Townsend; three exceptional children, Dr. Rahsan D. McMillan, Ms. CaTerra A. Townsend, and Ms. Amber C. Townsend all of Charlotte, NC; a devoted, loving mother, Mrs. Thelma Mason Townsend of Charlotte, NC; one loving sister, Ms. AshLee S. Townsend of Greensboro, NC; a devoted mother-in-law, Mrs. Judy E. Aldridge (Michael) of New Castle, DE; one brother-in-law, Mr. Lewis T, Maxwell, Forest Park, IL; and one sister-in-law, Mrs. Brandy L. Williams (Roxby) Berkeley, IL; faithful and devoted friends, Mr. Willie Love (Lovette) of Fort Mill, SC; and Ms. Charisma Dockery-Smith of Charlotte, NC; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.