Leon Anthony, Jr. died Nov. 12 after an eight-month battle with cancer. He was 78.

Born in Covington, Anthony graduated from Southern Seminary to pastor churches in Kentucky and Georgia. During his ministry he served at Macedonia Baptist Church in Oxford, Sardis Baptist Church in Rayle, Philadelphia Baptist Church in Lithonia and Damascus Baptist Church in Appling. After retiring in 1990 he was pastor at the Raysville Mission in Thomson for five years in addition to doing interim and pulpit supply work.

An Army veteran of WWII, Anthony served on the Georgia Baptist Convention Executive Committee for two terms and was chairman of the State Missions committee and budget committee during that time. He also held various positions in Stone Mountain, Georgia and Kilpatrick associations.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Peggy, a son, Tony, three granddaughters and two great grandsons.