Obituary of Frank Anthony Cayless

The Revd. Canon F. Anthony Cayless B.A., L.Th., M.A., D.Min. was born in Leicester, United Kingdom on January 6, 1933 and died at his home in Chapel Hill, NC on September 9, 2018.

He was a priest for 61 years and served faithfully in many positions: Assistant Curate at St. Matthias with St. Lawrence, Vicar of St. Ambrose, Rector of St. George, all of these in Barbados, West Indies where he worked for 28 years. He was appointed Diocesan Secretary and later Archdeacon of Barbados. He also served as Chaplain to H.M. Prisons and for many years as Chaplain of Parliament Barbados.

Canon Cayless was active in the wider community, serving as Chairman of the Child Care Board, Chairman of the Barbados Cheshire Homes Association and Chairman of the Codrington College Estate Board of Management.

In 1984 Canon Cayless with his wife Suzette and his son Hugh moved to the U.S.A. and took up a position in the Diocese of Long Island. There he served as Chaplain to the Cathedral Schools and subsequently as Canon Pastor at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City. During this period, he was a Faculty member at the Mercer School of Theology.

In 1999 following official retirement he was interim at St. Thomas’ Church, Farmingdale. In 2001, Canon Cayless and his wife moved to West Park, NY where they resided for over 7 years in a house on the grounds of Holy Cross Monastery. He continued his ministry, serving as interim at several Hudson Valley churches. Both Canon Cayless and his wife were made Companions of the Order of the Holy Cross in 2008 when they finally retired to Chapel Hill, NC. The Columbarium at the Monastery will be his final resting place. Canon Cayless is mourned by his wife, Suzette, son Hugh and his wife Jenny, granddaughters Grace and Caroline, sisters Coral and Pauline, and many friends.

For the past five and a half years Canon Cayless has struggled with the effects of Alzheimer's Disease and it is the family's wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in Peace.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 11:00 at the Church of the Holy Family, 200 Hayes Road, Chapel Hill.  Officiating will be The Reverend Clarke French.  Tony's ashes will be interred in the Holy Cross Monastery, West Park, NY,  at a later date.

The Cayless family is being assisted by Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.