Anthony Mark Cardwell

Pastor Anthony Mark Cardwell, age 62, of Waycross, passed away early Wednesday morning (4/1/2026) at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross following an extended illness.

Born September 28, 1963, in Wetumpka, Alabama, he was a son of the Harold Triplet Cardwell, Sr. and Betty Joyce Gantt Hilyer. He graduated from Paxton High School in Jacksonville, Florida and went to a technical college to obtain his certification as a diesel mechanic.

He moved to the South Georgia area in the late 1980’s 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.

He served as a Baptist pastor for over 20 years pastoring Victory Baptist Church in Blackshear, Hebardville Baptist Church in Waycross, and was the current 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; 5 children, Joshua Bryant (wife Haley) of Blackshear, Chris Cardwell (wife Sarah) of Jacksonville, FL, Josh Cardwell (wife Holly) of Deltona, FL, Lisa Drury (husband Troy) of Maine, and Becci Pippin (husband Butch) of Claxton, GA; 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his mother, Betty Joyce Hilyer of Sylacauga, AL; father, Harold Cardwell (wife Ann) of Blackshear; 6 siblings, Marty Cardwell (wife Peggy) of Blackshear, Mike Cardwell of Rockford, AL, Matt Cardwell (wife Sherry) of Crossville, TN, Tanya Arnold of Blackshear, Tripper Cardwell (wife Brandy) of Waycross, and Alisha Gravette (husband Jason) of Sylacauga, AL; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Saturday (4/4/26) at 2 p.m. at Astoria Baptist Church. Entombment will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening (4/3/26) from 6-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Astoria Baptist Church, 1501 Astoria Road, Waycross, GA 31503.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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