Tony Michael Lail

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tony Michael Lail, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us to be with our Lord on June 25, 2024. Born on January 22, 1954, in Hickory, NC, Tony's life spanned seven decades of love, dedication, and devotion. He joins his father and mother, Clyde and Cecilia Lail, in heaven and is survived by his brother, Duran Lail of Taylorsville, NC.

Tony's legacy is marked by the deep bonds he formed amidst family and friends, a joy of honest labor both at home and professionally, and a steadfast love of God. He was the husband of Angela Lail, with whom he raised a beautiful family. His legacy extends to his children, who treasured their father dearly: Michael Lail and wife Connie of Indian Trail, NC, Erin Whitehead and husband Jason of Holly Springs, NC, and Matthew Lail and wife Colleen of Carrollton, VA; and his nine grandchildren: Madison and Michael Ross Lail; Daniel and Benjamin Whitehead; and Brennan, Michael Joseph, Merrick, Francis, and Bonnie Lail.

Born and raised in Hickory, NC, Tony graduated from St. Stephens High School in 1972, after which he earned a degree in civil engineering from UNC Charlotte. He then found his way as an entrepreneur, establishing his own business in automobile interior restorations which he continued for over 30 years around the Charlotte area.

Tony set a beautiful example to those around him.  As a proud father, Tony enjoyed working on home projects and yard work with his children - skills he surely honed during his time spent with his own father, Clyde.  His faith and passion for his Catholic way of life is reflected purely in his family’s devotion to fervent faith-based worship.  As a proud grandfather, Tony found youthful childhood joy in his nine grandchildren, who will forever treasure the memories of their time with Pepaw.  All who know Tony fondly remember his sage advice on finances and investing (freely offered!), his love of golf and time spent on the green with friends, and stories and photos of his grandchildren and family trips to Ocracoke.

Tony's battle with multiple myeloma spanned over twelve years and earned him the title of ‘best patient’ at his Hematologist-Oncologist, Dr. Bhutani’s, practice. His family is forever grateful for the expertise and diligent care of his medical team which afforded priceless, cherished moments and memories over the last decade.  Tony spent his last days enveloped in the love and warmth of his family, who gathered from near and far.

Tony Michael Lail leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. While he will be dearly missed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of his loved ones and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May he rest in eternal peace with our Lord.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the visitation, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 2, 2024, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m., also at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral mass will be Livestreamed and can be viewed at Livestreamed Funerals at St. Gabriel | St. Gabriel Catholic Church | Charlotte, NC (stgabrielchurch.org).

Tony will be laid to rest at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212, with the burial commencing at 12:30 p.m. on July 2, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, Tony's family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Tony's home parish and a place that held special significance for him and his family.