Conyers mourns passing of former City Manager Tony Lucas

CONYERS, GA—City of Conyers Mayor and City Council, staff and employees are mourning the loss of former City Manager Tony Lucas, who passed away on Jan. 22, 2026. 

Lucas retired from the city in May 2024 after serving nearly 40 years in numerous key roles that were integral to the community’s growth and progress.

A native of Conyers and Rockdale County, Lucas began his law enforcement career with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) in 1977. Subsequent to his service with the RCSO, he joined the United State Marshal’s Service as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal at the Federal Courthouse and Federal Court ofAppeals in Atlanta in 1983.

Lucas joined the Conyers Police Department (CPD) as a patrol officer in 1984. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to deputy chief in 1988, and then chief of police in 1994. He was additionally named chief operating officer of the city in 2000, then interim city manager in June 2004. Lucas was named city

manager and director of public safety in February 2005. From 2005 until his retirement in the spring of 2024, Lucas oversaw the day-to-day operations of the city while working collaboratively with two mayors and multiple city council members.

A notable highlight of his career, Lucas was the lead executive representing Conyers for the Olympic Security Support Group, a planning committee comprised of federal, state and local officials, for security of the 1996 Olympic Games at the Georgia International Horse Park, the largest venue of the Atlanta Olympic Games, and the second most attended.

Lucas served the local community and law enforcement community in numerous

ways over the course of his career. He was known at the city for his open-door

policy to employees and believed in recognizing public servants for a job well

done. He created the PEACH (Positive Employees Are Conyers’ Heartbeat)

Award recognizing positivity in city employees in 2018.

The flags at Conyers City Hall, Center Point Park, and the Conyers Police

Department are flying at half-staff in memory of Lucas and will remain at half-staff

through his service on Sunday, Feb.1, at Scot Ward Funeral Services.

“The legacy Tony Lucas leaves in his service and dedication to the Conyers

community through leadership in the Conyers Police Department and as city

manager for 20 years is immeasurable,” said City Manager Kameron Kelley.

 “On behalf of the mayor and city council, staff and employees, our hearts are grieving 

with the Lucas family and we extend our deepest condolences. We will forever

be inspired by the lasting impact Tony made in the city of Conyers and he will be

dearly missed.”