Obituary-img

Anthony John Roberts

December 31, 1972 ~ July 14, 2025

Anthony John “Tony” Roberts, 52, passed away on July 14, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. Born on December 31, 1972, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Tony lived a life marked by creativity, dedication, and deep love for his family. Tony was best known for his remarkable talent and passion as a tattoo artist. Over the course of a 30-year career in tattooing, he left an indelible mark—both literally and figuratively—on countless individuals. His artistry was not only his profession but also his greatest joy. Tattooing was more than ink and skin to Tony; it was a form of storytelling and self-expression that he embraced with heart and soul. Tony found inspiration in the details of life.

Those who knew Tony will remember him as goofy and funny—a man who could light up a room with laughter. He wore his heart on his sleeve and never hesitated to show how much he cared. Protective by nature, he kept those he loved close and made sure they always felt safe and supported.

Tony’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughters Zoey Roberts, Jaszmine Roberts, Madison, his son Junior Roberts, his grandchildren Brielle Chaires, and Hudson Gertsema. As well as his sister Cindy Roberts Whiteside. His love for them was unwavering, and they remained at the center of everything he did.

He was preceded in death by wife Christina Roberts, his father Spencer Roberts and mother Sandra Wyant.

Tony’s legacy lives on through the art he created, the stories he shared through ink and imagination, and the deep bonds he formed with those around him. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

View current weather.

Guestbook

  1. Our dad was truly one of a kind — funny, goofy, and full of life. He had this natural way of making people smile, whether it was with a random joke, a silly face, or just the way he carried himself with that light-hearted spirit. You couldn’t help but laugh when he was around.
    He was a talented tattoo artist — creating art that told stories, healed hearts, and left a lasting impression on everyone he touched. His creativity wasn’t just something he did — it was who he was. Every tattoo he gave carried a piece of him.
    We didn’t get to see each other often — life and distance got in the way sometimes. But even from afar, I always felt his love. I always knew he was out there being his vibrant, wild, wonderful self — making people laugh, making art, and being the person only he could be.
    It hurts knowing I didn’t get one more visit, one more laugh, one more moment. But I hold onto the ones we did share, and to the love that never needed to be close to be real.
    I love you, Dad. I miss you. And I’ll carry your humor, your art, and your spirit with me — always.
    R.I.P

  2. Fly high bubby…I will miss you like crazy. You will always be in my thoughts. I love you and will never stop.

  3. There are so many things that flooded my mind with all of our memories over the last 26 years, to say I was shocked to learn of your passing is an understatement. I will miss you for the rest of this lifetime Tony! Save me a seat! I'll love you forever my dear friend!

    To his family and friends, I hope you remember the good times and know how much he appreciated and loved you and will continue to watch over you.

  4. I feel blessed to have known Tony, as well as be graced with some of his artwork. I will cherish the memories from my trip to Florida with Zoey to see you. We did a lot of laughing and I am grateful I got to be apart of that. Thank you for giving me Zoey ❤️ Rest in power, Tony. 

  5. You will be forever missed uncle tony. I remember all the fun and interesting conversations we had when I was getting tatted by you. I remember when you moved to daytona, me and dj stayed the night with you just like when I was a kid, it was alot of fun being able to actually spend time with you and now ill never truly get to do that again. Now you're with grandma and aunt Jude, say hello for me and give them a big hug for me. Ill miss you and love you bunches. I cant believe that you're gone, but now you're in Valhalla. Rest In Paradise Uncle Tony. ❤️

  6. Dad.. the days without you don’t seem real. You truly were a one of a kind man. I will forever cherish the time we got to spend together. Rest in power daddio. Until we meet again, and, I love you forever and a day 

  7. Tony…Tonybutt… Jr's"My Dad"… there are so many things I could say about the incredible life we shared together. From our tattoo shenanigans, last minute beach trips to even just our random food adventures. Through all of the ups and down we always shared a great love. A love that most believe comes once in a life time. You will forever be my best friend and I will spend everyday missing you. Everyday I will remind our children of their incredible dad who loved them endlessly. The saying, "your wings were ready, but I was not" has never been more true. Heaven gained an angel and the world lost not only an amazing human, but an incredible artist. Our long conversations, endless laughter, and your tremendous joy will be missed every second. I love you…
    After all this time….Always
    ~Britface

  8. I still can't believe this is real, we were just plotting and planning my next tattoo and my son's next tattoo. I will miss our 'therapy sessions'. Your love love for your children and the stories your shared were always amazing and heartfelt. Your artistic, creative and talented soul is now free. Miss you my friend but I have all these wonderful pieces of art to remind me of you♥️🎨🧶

  9. When i found out my heart sank and the memories started flying. I still remember first meeting you when you lived below Loni. I can't remember what street it was but I can still drive right to it lol. We lost track of each other a few times over the years but the universe always reconnected us and it was as if no time had passed at all. I will miss our talks, spilling of secrets, and the no judgements zone we had. Will always love you, forever miss you; until we meet again❣️


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle