Royce Dee Canaday

Royce D. Canaday of Yantis, Texas, gained his heavenly wings on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the age of 88 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He is preceded in death by his wife Sybil Lee Canaday; his parents, James “Jim” and Vera “Ludie” Canaday; his brother, James “J.E.” Canaday; his sisters, Mavis Kennimer and Rosie Kennimer.

Mr. Canaday was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Quitman and enjoyed spending time at the Forever Young Activity Center in Quitman. He loved a good game of 42 Dominos and visiting with friends. Mr. Canaday was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force training and based at Lackland Air Force Base as part of the 3701 Squadron in San Antonio, Texas.

Royce loved fishing, horse riding, and playing dominos. He is survived by many nieces and nephews who he loved and spent time with when they were children.  No matter the distance between them, they still kept in touch and visited him when possible.  

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Linda Hearn of Quitman, Jeannie Keener of Dallas, Sandra Kennimer, Sue Watson, Jimmy Dell Kennimer, Teresa Christian, Ryan Canaday, Greg Canaday, and Rhonda Majors; great nephews, Gary Trussell of Alba; great nieces, Adrian Hearn of Quitman; great great niece, Nikki Friedrich of Athens, and Laikyn Cooper of Quitman; and countless great and great great nieces and nephews.

Mr. Canaday was uncle to many, PawPaw to some, and a friend to everyone who knew him. He will be missed dearly.

Funeral Services for Mr. Royce Canaday will be held on Thursday, February 9 at 1:00 PM at Lowe-Gardner Funerals and Cremations in Quitman with Pastor Joel McMullen. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 8 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Graveside service will follow at Yantis Cemetery.

For those who desire, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Royce Canaday to First Baptist Church in Quitman 301 E. Lane St., Quitman, Texas 75783 or Forever Young Activity Center in Quitman 404 South Main Quitman, Texas 75783.