1961-2026
Ret. Msgt. Tony Ray Conley, 64 of Austin received his final orders to meet Jesus, January 4,2026. He was born August 21,1961 to Irvin and Betty Sims Conley in Little Rock, AR.
Being a shy young man of few words in high school, did not stop him from being active in the FFA, 4HClub, Vicia Vocation Mechanical Association, and First Chair Trumpet as well as captain in the England High School Band.
Because his dad was unable to finish school, it was his dream to see all his children graduate from high school and Tony proudly did his part to make this happened. He also attended Parkin Vocational Technical Training School for diesel mechanics.
In 1983, Tony decided to full fill his life long dream and joined the United States Air Force as an Administrative Specialist shred at the 33rd Tactical Air Command Eglin AFB. Over the next 31 years he was stationed in Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, Korea, Panama, United Kingdom, Florida, and New Mexico.
He earned many accolades, awards, and achievements along the way including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. One of his greatest honors was the mentorship of the younger air men under his supervision and in general.
Tony retired in 2014 from the Legendary 823rd Red Horse Squadron, an assignment to which he was honored and proud to be a member of. In his retirement he continued to serve his country as a civilian contractor with the 19th CES at Little Rock Air Force Base, where he received Civilian Achievement Medals, awards and recognitions.
He married the love of his life, Charlotte Conley, February 10,1996, and spent many years traveling the world with overseas deployments and several state side transfers. Tony was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, confidant, mentor, peacemaker, and even a partner in crime while playing Cops & Robbers or Cowboys & Indians growing up. He was
a Christian man whose faith help to sustain him through this past year in his brave fight with cancer. Which he did not let stop him from enjoying every moment that he could, such as bowling, camping, fishing, watching football, eating seafood and spending time with family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Betty Conley, two brothers-in-law and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tony is survived by his wife Charlotte Conley, three sons Shawn Cross(Pamela), Shane Cross(Sarah), and Richard Cross(Terry), Eleven grandchildren, Eleven great grandchildren. Three sisters, Rebeсса Phillips (Gary) of Marion, AR, Lou Ann Bullock of Keo, AR, and Rosemary Walker (Mark) of Sherwood, AR. Two brothers, Curtis Conley(Hope) of Ward, AR and Shaun Conley of Memphis TN, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank everyone that has prayed for and with Tony during his courageous battle with cancer.
Services are entrustd to Wilson-Robison Funeral Home 701 Pine Bluff Highway England, Arkansas.
Visitation: Saturday, January 10, 2026 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Wilson Robison Chapel
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 10, 2026 2:00 PM Wilson Robison Chapel
