Anthony Hall was born on August 24, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri—"The Show Me State," as he affectionately called it—to Joe Ellis Hall Sr. and Celestine (Ford) Hall. He was the sixth of fourteen children, growing up in a large and lively family that shaped his strong sense of loyalty and connection.

Anthony graduated from Belleville High School and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy on July 13, 1970. Stationed in Pensacola, Florida, he proudly served his country and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Following his honorable discharge in July 1972, he returned to Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he began working at Ford Motor Company's Rawsonville Plant and continued his education at Washtenaw Community College. Around this time, he welcomed his son, Shawn Abdul. He later married Vicki Parks, and from that union two children were born, Courtenay Monee' and Anthony Ford II.

During the economic downturn of the 1980s, Anthony was among many affected by layoffs in the auto industry. Demonstrating resilience and determination, he continued forward, securing employment with the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA) in wastewater management. When called back to Ford Motor Company, he returned as a die-cast operator, continuing his strong work ethic and dedication.

Over the years, Anthony faced personal challenges but ultimately overcame them through perseverance, faith, and the support of family. In that renewed chapter of life, he discovered a passion that would define his later years—ballroom dance. What began as a hobby grew into a calling. He trained with respected instructors in the dance community and went on to teach at EZ Glide Studio, Dance with Elegance Health & Fitness Studio, and various community centers throughout the area. Alongside his loving partner of 19 years, Dorena Wilson, Anthony embraced ballroom as both an art and a lifestyle. From approximately 2005 to 2025, he taught, competed, and built lasting friendships within the dance community. His bubbly personality, easygoing demeanor, and gift for conversation made him a beloved instructor and partner. Through dance, he found not only joy but an extended family.

Beyond his professional and dance life, Anthony was deeply devoted to his family. He shared in the care of his younger disabled brother, Lawrence, alongside his sister Sharon. He treated Lawrence as his own son—spoiling him, protecting him, and ensuring his well-being with unwavering love. His commitment to his family was constant and admirable.

Anthony was preceded in death by his father, Joe Ellis Hall Sr.; his mother, Celestine Hall; and his brothers, Albert Hall and Joe Ellis Hall Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving partner of 19 years, Dorena Wilson; his children, Anthony Hall II, Courtenay Hall, and Shawn Hall (Michelle); his grandchildren, Chelese Frame, Tori McFarland, Tyler Hall, Mercedes Talmage, Dallas Hall, Makayla Ramos, and Jordyn Hall; and his great-grandchildren, Joshua and Ezekiel Hall, and Harley and Aprilia Hall.

He is also survived by his siblings: John Arthur, Prezell, Ralph, Lawrence, and Edward Hall; Barbara Hall, Sharon Brown, Angela Hall Jones, Goldie Gibson, Shawna Hall, and LaTina Noland; along with a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Anthony chose cremation. A memorial service will be held 2-6 pm Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Christian Love Fellowship Ministries International (1601 Stamford Road, Ypsilanti).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in the form of much-needed supplies or monetary contributions in his honor to the Black Veterans Project , the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System , or the Osteosarcoma Institute .