Bennie C. Anthony Jr. August 25, 1937-September 29, 2017
In December of 1954, Bennie enlisted into the United States Navy, where he served during the Korean War and was also part of theHeavy Attack
Wing II at Whidbey Island. While in the Navy, Bennie met Mary Lee Hickson of San Diego, CA. On March 9, 1957, they wereunited in holy matrimony. Their union was beautifully blessed with three sons, Tony, Craig and Brigham.
After receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1962, He began employment with General Dynamics as a Photo Lab Tech. There, hewas awarded several patents. He later joined Teledyne Ryan and afterwards he became an Insurance Agent, while pursuing otherbusiness ventures. Bennie was a successful entrepreneur, owning several businesses, including, “Anthony’s Coffee Shoppe” and”Anthony’s Linen Shop”. He also managed tire stores; Goodyear and Firestone and eventually owned his own business, “Auto Shopperand Repair”, until he retired in 2003.
Bennie, later in life, joined St. Paul Baptist Church, where he was ordained a Deacon in 1976. Some years later, he moved hismembership to the Christian Fellowship Congregational Church, where he attended services regularly until he and his wife’s healthbegan to deteriorate.
Bennie was active in many organizations; the Ninety Plus Club for Operating Efficiency, National Life Top Hat Club, and Independent Orderof Foresters. He received numerous awards in sales and Convair awards on cost savings, which he proudly displayed in his home for all to see.
Bennie enjoyed fishing, painting, reading, gardening and traveling. He was devoted to taking care of his extended family. He often openedhis heart and his home to family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Craig Anthony; brothers, Robert Anthony, Andrew Anthony, Willie C. Anthony andO’Neal Hill; sisters, Pearlean Price and Hattie Ann Anthony.
On Friday, September 29, 2017, Bennie Clark Anthony Jr. was called from earthly labor to eternal rest. He is survived by his loving anddevoted wife of sixty years, Mary L Anthony; sons, Tony (Linda) Anthony, Brigham (Anita) Anthony; daughters-in-law, Esther Anthony-Thomas and Jennifer Anthony; sister, Shirley Ann Haynes of Macon, GA; grandchildren, Jervae’ Anthony, Abrie Anthony, Angelo (Maiesha) Anthony,Sylvia Anthony, Angelina Anthony, Richard Williams, Eddie Thomas, Adrianna Williams, Armaund Anthony, Arthur Anthony and IssacAnthony; great-grandchildren, Maliyah, Amiyah, Abrie Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Services were held Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Bayview Baptist Church; interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.
