Anthony J. "Tony" Sadberry, a Phi Theta Kappa Foundation Trustee, former
member of the Board of Directors and a former National Officer, died October
28 in Texas. His invitation to membership in Phi Theta Kappa made "the American
Dream a possibility for me," Sadberry said in an interview many years later.
"Suddenly I was part of a whole group of people who believed that the only
limitations were those you set for yourself."
"Phi Theta Kappa
has lost a great leader, a dedicated supporter and a close friend," said
Phi Theta Kappa Executive Director Rod Risley. "Tony was a loyal supporter
of Phi Theta Kappa long before the alumni programs were created. We called
on him on many occasions, and he always responded."
Sadberry
was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas,
in 1969. Later that year he became the first African-American member to
be elected a Phi Theta Kappa National Officer. He was alumni representative
on the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors from 1990-1996, and appointed
a Foundation Trustee in 2007.
An attorney for more than 30 years,
he was serving as executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission at
the time of his death. A graduate of the University of Texas and Georgetown
University Law School, Sadberry had also served on the state Attorney General's
staff.
"Texas lost a genuine leader today," Texas Gov. Rick
Perry said. "At every juncture of his life, in school, in his law practice
and with the lottery, Anthony seemed to end up in positions of leadership."
Funeral
services were held November 1 in Caldwell, Texas. Persons may sign and view
the online guestbook at the Strickland
Funeral Home website. Memorials to Anthony Sadberry may be made
to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, 1625 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211.
Donations to the Foundation in Sadberry's memory may also be made
online.
