Lendon Earl Antley

Lendon Earl Antley, lovingly known as “Big Daddy,” of Garner, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on December 30, 1937, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Lendon Antley and Alice Earl Parrish.

A proud graduate of Central High School (Class of 1957), Lendon went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State University. He then devoted 20 years of his life in service to his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Following his military career, he continued serving through 16 years of civil service with the U.S. Army at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Lendon’s faith was central to his life. He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be remembered for his passions and hobbies—fishing, listening to Elvis and 1950s music, collecting treasures, and enjoying classic Westerns. Most of all, he was a caregiver at heart who cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 303 Canterbury Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577. The family will receive friends from 9:30am-10:30am, just prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Eastern Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery at 164 Longs Plant Farm Rd, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Joy Antley; his brother, Lagary Antley; his daughter, Marjorie Faith Stahl; his son, Michael Antley; his granddaughter, Aubrey Renee Wilford; and his grandson, Michael Stahl.

Lendon is survived by his beloved sons, Charles Benjamin Antley of Clayton, NC, and David Mahlon Antley of Bountiful, UT; his sister, Linda Gayle Purinton of Columbus, GA; his aunt, Faye Cameron of Eatonton, GA; along with 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Lendon was proud of his service and deeply loved his family. He was known for his kindness, warmth, and the way he made everyone he met feel valued. His legacy of devotion, service, and love will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Lendon’s memory by making a donation of time or money to a charity of your choice.