Johnnie A. Red Canady, Jr.

GARNER- Johnnie A. Red Canady, Jr., 79, died peacefully, in the arms of his wife at the William Dunlap Center for Caring Hospice of Wake County on June 26, 2013 after a four year illness. Red was born in Columbus County, NC on June 11, 1934. After moving to Raleigh in 1980, he met his companion and wife of 33 years, Nancy DuPree Canady and together they started Oak Ridge Builders & Developers and built many homes and subdivisions in Johnston, Harnett and Wake County. Red made a living in real estate but his passion was bluegrass music, hunting and fishing. Red learned to play music from his mother and could play anything that had strings without ever having had a music lesson. He played in several bluegrass and gospel bands, including the East Coast Boys. Red and Nancy did a number of years promoting the Jam’n Bluegrass Festival held in Salemburg, NC. Red is preceded in death by his mother and father, Johnnie and Agnes Clewis Canady, a brother, Roscoe and a sister, Vivian. He is survived by his wife, Nancy DuPree Canady; his beloved dog, Misty; one son, Allen Canady (Claire) of Holly Springs; one daughter, Debra Byrd (Shane) of Tampa, FL; one step-son, Trent Clifton of Benson; one step-daughter, Courtney Roy of Angier; four grandchildren, Traci Distler, Courtney Lee, Melissa Canady, Cole Canady; four step-grandchildren, Melissa Clifton, Jennifer Clifton, Amanda Clifton and Gabriella Martin; four great-grandchildren, Ashley, Avery, Jake and Kirsten; sister, Virginia Schull of Roanoke, VA. He is also survived by his housekeeper of 15 years, Becky Tart and his fishing buddy, Neil Walters, as well as many friends and good neighbors. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Sunday, June 30th at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Hwy. 50. Garner. A memorial service will be held 3:00 pm Monday, July 1st in the Bryan-Lee Funeral Home Chapel. Please make any gift or donations in Reds name to the William Dunlap Center for Caring, 5930 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607.