WAYCROSS — Pastor Anthony Mark Cardwell, age 62, of Waycross, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 1, 2026 at Memorial Satilla Health following an extended illness.
Born September 28, 1963 in Wetumpka, Ala., he was a son of the Harold Triplet Cardwell, Sr. and Betty Joyce Gantt Hilyer. He graduated from Paxton High School in Jacksonville, Fla., and went to a technical college to obtain his certification as a diesel mechanic.
He moved to the South Georgia area in the late 1980s and was an owner and operator of A&M Tire Service in Blackshear, and then as a mechanic for True Value. He then went to work for the Cannington Agency selling life insurance for Liberty National, but was currently a sales representative for NAPA Auto Parts in Waycross.
Cardwell served as a Baptist pastor for more than 20 years pastoring Victory Baptist Church in Blackshear, Hebardville Baptist Church in Waycross, and currently was the pastor of Astoria Baptist Church in Waycross.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Coley Hilyer; and a brother, Bob Hilyer.
Survivors include his wife, Anne Marchman Cardwell of Waycross; five children, Joshua Bryant (wife Haley) of Blackshear, Chris Cardwell (wife Sarah) of Jacksonville, Josh Cardwell (wife Holly) of Deltona, Fla., Lisa Drury (husband Troy) of Maine, and Becci Pippin (husband Butch) of Claxton, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; his mother, Betty Joyce Hilyer of Sylacauga, Ala.; father, Harold Cardwell (wife Ann) of Blackshear; six siblings, Marty Cardwell (wife Peggy) of Blackshear, Mike Cardwell of Rockford, Ala., Matt Cardwell (wife Sherry) of Crossville, Tenn., Tanya Arnold of Blackshear, Tripper Cardwell (wife Brandy) of Waycross, and Alisha Gravette (husband Jason) of Sylacauga; along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A funeral service was held April 4 at Astoria Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Chancey and the Rev. Don Patterson officiating. Entombment followed in the Greenlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Astoria Baptist Church, 1501 Astoria Road, Waycross, 31503.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.
