Richard Damon Antel Obituary

Richard Damon Antel, 77, passed away on June 25, 2025 in Chapel Hill, NC.

Richard was born in Pennsylvania on September 09, 1947 to Damon Cooper and Margaret Bartina Antel.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Ron.

Richard is survived by his sister, Rosemary Antel of Washington. Richard had two children. His son Matthew Antel and wife, Jennifer of Henderson, along with their four children, and his daughter Sarah Antel of Goldsboro. Richard served in the Army during the Vietnam war. After returning to the US he became a tool and die maker apprentice at Westinghouse Meter division in Raleigh, North Carolina. He had a passion for fixing things and was meticulous about everything he did. He continued his career in tool and die making until a tragic accident in 1980 left him injured with 2 missing fingers. This sent him into a very deep depression and he became very self conscious of his appearance and hid his hand for a long time. With the love and support of his family he overcame his handicap and used it as a way to open up to people and created a game to make children help him find his missing fingers. Richard loved God and became an ordained minister. He had several small churches in North Raleigh and in Cary at his home. He was an avid mechanic and loved working on cars and became a successful used car salesman. Richard had a booming bass voice and loved to sing. He sang in choir at church whenever he had the chance. Richard also loved animals and enjoyed being around them. He loved the Mountains and the beach. He always said he felt closer to God at both places. No funeral services will be held. His remains will be scattered at the mountains and the beach to honor his wishes (although I know he is with Jesus now).