Anthony “Tony” Lawrence Lunn, 64, of Durham, NC, was born October 28, 1955, to the late Edward and Mary Lunn in Detroit, MI. With his wife by his side, he passed away peacefully at home following a brief, but arduous battle with cancer, on April 26, 2020. The youngest of seven children, he proudly attended Detroit Public Schools, becoming a graduate of Kettering High School in 1973, and went on to complete two years of coursework at the University of Detroit. Tony was introduced to Christ at an early age and became an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he was baptized.

On March 8, 1980, he was united in matrimony to Carlis Renee Keys. Two children were born from their 40-year union: Lakeisha Monae Wilson of Detroit, MI, and Toyia Chenise Williams (Kendall) of Durham, NC. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Lauren Renee Wilson, Kamari Christopher Williams, Serayah Jade Williams, and Mekhi Anthony Williams (whose middle name was proudly chosen in honor of his grandfather). Tony was preceded in death by five siblings: Wilbur Starks, Gladys Nail, Joseph Starks, Sarah Miles, and Ernestine McKinstry; he is survived by one sister, Maria Heard, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Tony had a smile that captivated everyone who met him, winning “Sweetest Smile” in his high school mock elections. He was an avid sports fan; while he enjoyed many professional sports, tennis was his absolute favorite. Before the days of modern technology like DVR, he was known to take the day off work to watch a blockbuster tennis match. Personally, he enjoyed bowling, playing ping-pong, and backgammon; in his later years, he grew an affinity for woodworking, fabricating exquisite pens that he sold as a hobby in his retirement years. He also loved music - especially jazz - and enjoyed many live concerts with his beloved wife over the course of their marriage. After their children went away to college, Tony and Carlis greatly enjoyed traveling together, and took at least a few trips together each year. Tony particularly enjoyed dining at The Cheesecake Factory in any city they traveled to that had a location available.

Tony’s life was greatly enriched with several special lifelong relationships: Carl Jones, Lewis Wright, Gordon Wright, Michael Mathis, James Millen, Daniel Rowe, and many others, who became more like family than friends.

The family is grateful to Dr. Chetan Patel, cardiologist at Duke University Hospital, for providing first-class medical care, and for diagnosing Tony’s cancer following complications after his cardiac treatment. Although it was too late for treatment to cure the disease, Dr. Patel's efforts and compassion are deeply appreciated.

There will be a celebration of life held in Detroit, MI once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, and the family can safely convene. Please check back here often for updated information.

A Poem for My Husband

God saw that he was getting tired and a cure was not to be, So he put his arms around him and whispered, “Come home with me." With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. He didn't deserve what he went through, so God gave him a rest. God's garden must be beautiful, he only takes the best. A golden heart stopped beating, a determined spirit was at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. When we saw you sleeping calmly and free from all the pain, We could not wish you back with us to suffer all over again. You have left us precious memories, your love will be our guide. You live on through your children, you are always by our side. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.