Major (retired) Anthony Wayne Poe

Anthony Wayne Poe, age 74, of Sanford, passed away on Sunday, January 10th at home.

He was born in Lee County on August 30th,1946 to the late Roy Talmadge Poe and Virginia Gray Powers Poe.

Wayne grew up in east Sanford. He attended Sanford Central High School, Central Carolina Technical College, and the Virginia School of Polygraph. Wayne was honored to have served for the Sanford Police Department for 51 years, becoming the first City of Sanford employee to pass the 50-year milestone for employment. He was a recipient of the Sanford Exchange Club’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. After holding many positions within the department, Wayne retired in 2019 as the Assistant Chief of Police and was beloved among friends and colleagues in the force and community. 

In his spare time, Wayne loved his University of North Carolina Tar Heels and was seen frequently cheering for the men’s basketball team at the Dean Smith Center. He also enjoyed attending local car races with friends, attending oldies and beach music concerts at Holden Beach, and spending time with his family.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis McNeill Poe, of the home; daughter and son-in-law Kimberly and Scott Shelton of Apex; grandchildren Alexander Shelton and Karenna Shelton of Apex; sister and brother-in-law Vickie and Frank Holder of Sanford; and many nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no formal visitation or viewing. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 12th at Morris Chapel United Methodist Church starting at 2 p.m. Attendees should wear masks and follow proper social distancing guidelines. Those who cannot attend may view a recording of the service on Morris Chapel United Methodist Church’s Facebook page.

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