Funeral service for Retired SFC Anthony James Eckwood Sr., 67 of Killeen, TX will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Greater Vision Community Church in Killeen, TX.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 22, 2025 (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) at the church.

Burial with full military honors will be held Monday, August 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

A Father, Friend, Grandfather and pillar in the community has elevated from labor to reward. On August 3, 2025, the Lord spoke, "Well done my good and faithful servant" and Anthony answered the call.

Anthony was born November 29, 1957, to the late Grandpa Sonny and Virgie Lee Eckwood in Buffalo, New York. Anthony was loved and cherished by his family and friends. Tony was raised in one of the most dangerous projects in Buffalo. Even as a kid, he was highly focused and intelligent, attending public school 43 as a straight "A" student. At 14 because of his height, he attended the prestigious East High School, High School and was a basketball legend where he still holds a scoring record for more than 50 years. He graduated with honors and had a selection of universities he could have attended instead, he chose to serve his country. Anthony showed his love for Christ by accepting Him into his heart at an early age. He later became a member of Greater Vision Community Church, Killeen, TX.

He enlisted into the United States Army on December 27, 1979, SFC Eckwood retired after 20 years of service. He was awarded 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 4 Army Achievement Medals, 7 Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medals, Southwest Asia Service Medals with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbons, Kuwait Liberation Medal and Expert Marksmanship qualifications. He has served many assignments around the world. His specialty was artillery. His last duty assignment was III Corp NCO Academy FC. Ft. Hood, TX.

After retiring he worked for Lockheed Martin for several years. Anthony was a member of John H. Sewell Lodge #23 where he elevated to the office of Worshipful Master and received the honor of Honorary Past Grand Master. He served as Most Excellent High Priest of Wallace W. Washington, Chapter #44, Holy Royal Arch Masons. He was dubbed as the Knights Templar of Toby Davis Commandry #1 where he served as Eminent Commander. He also served as the District Deputy Grand Thrice Illustrious Master for the Council of Royal and Select Masters. He was created a Noble of Thebes Temple #208 where he served as Illustrious Potentate and awarded Desert Potentate. He received the 32nd degree of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in John A. Caldwell Consistory #346. He was elevated to 33rd degree Grand Inspector General where he served as Aide for Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Deary Vaughn. In 2021, Anthony was awarded the Gold Medal of Achievement. This is the highest award presented by the United Supreme Council, AASR. He was a proud member of Bejamin O. Davis VFW post 9191, where he served as a Post Commander.

Tony will truly be missed: he touched many hearts, and nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.

Anthony's love and fond memories will always be cherished by his children. Anthony Eckwood, Jr., of Largo, FL; and Jayla Fequire of Killeen, TX; four grandsons, Quincy, Anthony III, Elijah and Vincent Eckwood all of Largo, FL; His Buffalo New York family, His Omaha, NE family and numerous other beloved family and friends.