James William Anthony

James William Anthony, 84, of Oakland Avenue Ext., Drexel, NC died Sunday, September 12, 2010 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care in Valdese, N. C. following several months of illness. Born in Gaston County, NC on February 20, 1926, he was the son of the late Evan Anthony and Ovia Grigg Anthony. James was a faithful member of the First Church of God in Drexel. He was a U. S. Navy veteran of WW II, having served aboard the USS Tate in the Pacific Theatre. He was formerly employed as a fixer in the textile industry. In the early 1960’s, James and his brother Hubert, co-founded and operated Anthony Brothers Railroad Construction Company until his retirement in 1986. He loved to travel; to garden; to design and display Christmas lights during the holiday season. He loved music, and wrote several songs of his own. He especially loved gathering with family and friends for food and fellowship.James is survived by his wife, Norene Franklin Anthony of the home; sons, Perry Anthony and wife, Brenda, and Janson Anthony and wife, Kathy, all of Drexel; grandchildren, Terri Anthony Walker and husband, Mike, Kevin Anthony, Craig Anthony and wife, Kristina, and Brent Anthony and wife, Jennie; great-grandchildren Joshua Dale, Brittany Dale, Tyler Anthony, and Grayson Anthony; brother, Hubert Anthony, and sister, Mary-Florence Cain; and several nephews and nieces.In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Anthony.The funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at the First Church of God, Drexel, with the Reverends Larry McCaw and Kyle Canerday officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by National Guard. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of God Building Fund, P. O. Box 218, Drexel, NC 28619, or Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.