James Anthony “Tony” Scribner, Sr., of Cleveland, Mississippi, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 17, at Bolivar Medical Center, at the age of 72.

Tony was born on April 8, 1953, in Arkansas to the late James Otto Scribner and Ida A. Scribner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved great-granddaughter, Ansley Pate Scribner.

He is survived by his devoted life partner of 47 years, Brenda Baldwin Scribner; his sons, James Anthony Scribner, Jr. (Kerry) of Charleston, MS, and Timothy Shane Scribner; and his daughter, Wanda Scribner Matthews (Robert) of Cleveland, MS.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Aron Wade Scribner (Rachel) of Batesville, MS; James Ray Scribner (Daphne) of Pontotoc, MS; William Taylor Wortham of Charleston, MS; Laney Matthews Turner (Michael), Dylan Cole Matthews (Kelly), and John Thomas Matthews (Haley), all of Cleveland, MS.

Tony was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren, with one more precious great-grandson expected in July, bringing the total to 16 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Connie Hooker (James) of Westwego, LA, and his brother, Johnny Mills (Peggy) of Dalton, GA, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held at Cleveland Funeral Home on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a celebration of life service to follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in North Cleveland Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Aron Wade Scribner, James Ray Scribner, William Taylor Wortham, Dylan Cole Matthews, John Thomas Matthews, and Michael Turner. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Arthur Matthews and James Dawson Turner.

Tony left school at a young age to help support his family, a reflection of his lifelong dedication and work ethic. After moving to Cleveland, he worked for Helena Chemical and UAP, and later became an entrepreneur, investing in rental properties and building a legacy of hard work and perseverance.

Above all, Tony was a family man. He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and lived humbly. His steady presence, generous heart, and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

The family finds comfort in knowing he is now at peace and reunited with those who went before him.