Tony Townsend

Tony Townsend, 75 of Lexington, NC and Cherry Grove, SC passed away on October 17, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He valiantly fought an illness for seven months prior to his death.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Frances and Tony Townsend, Sr. Surviving are his devoted wife of 56 years Carolyn Jones Townsend, his daughter Michelle Townsend O’Bryant, husband Matt of Lexington, grandsons Collin O’Bryant of Mentor, OH and Nolan O’Bryant of Lexington.

Tony graduated from High Point College in 1970. He immediately enlisted in the US Army Reserves where he became a Drill Instructor. During his ten years of service, Tony earned many commendations for outstanding performance of his duties. He left the Army to devote his time to managing his newly formed company Carolina Envelope & Printing, Inc. (aka CE Print Solutions). He and his wife Carolyn ran this business until their retirement at which time he turned it over to his daughter and son-in-law.
Tony was very involved in his community. He was a past member of the Civitan Club, Lexington Jaycees, and lifetime member of the NC Lions Foundation. Tony served on the Board of Directors of Davidson Savings, Southern National Bank and BB&T for many years. He served as President of Sapona Country Club and was on the Board of Governors with High Point University. Her served two terms as chairman of the Board of Lexington Memorial Hospital and was instrumental in the merger with Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

Tony and his wife started a fund raiser for underprivileged children at Christmastime. This evolved into the Sapona Charitable Trust, which has aided Hospice of Davidson County, Family Services and the Life Center of Lexington for many years. Tony’s motto which he credited to his grandfather, was “If you do good, good things come to you”. He was always a generous benefactor to numerous causes in the Lexington area. At retirement, Tony and his wife became South Carolina residents, spending the majority of their time at their home in Cherry Grove Beach. He loved playing golf with his buddies and fishing. Winters were still spent at their home in Lexington.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21st at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church, where he was a member. The service will be conducted by Dr. Ray Howell III. The family will receive visitors in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292 or First Baptist Church, PO Box 436, Lexington, NC 27293.