Richard Vann Canupp's Obituary
"Paw Paw"
Our nation has lost another member of The Greatest Generation. Richard Vann Canupp, 90, of Cornelius, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 surrounded by his loving family, and caregivers. Richard was born in Monroe, NC on January 12, 1925 to the late Thomas and Carrie Canupp. He was also preceded in death by three brothers; Robert, Marvin, and Bill, and one sister; Margaret. At the young age of 17 he joined the US Navy during WWII, and went on to serve during the invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach. He was gravely wounded, and was saved by an Army buddy who dug a trench into the side of the beach where he stayed until recovered by medics. As a result he earned his Purple Heart and a letter of accommodation from France for his bravery. He spent over 6 months in the hospital in England recovering enough to return for further rehabilitation in the States. It was then that he married the love of his life, Betty Jean Kendall Canupp. They were married for 63 years before she preceded him in death in 2008. Although he will be dearly missed by his family, we all know it has been a joyous reunion for the two of them! One of his family's proudest moments was when daddy was able to join Mike Walker, his son-in-law, and other local Rotarians in the Flight of Honor to visit the World War II memorial in Washington, DC.
Richard spent much of his career in the textile industry, working for HL Bowers, and then retiring after many years with Thompson-Burke Fibers (now Consolidated Fibers). He enjoyed bowling during his early years, but later in life he and Betty spent most of their leisure time traveling the U.S. in their travel trailer. His great love was traveling the Appalachian Mountains and he could tell you the roads to travel long before any GPS was invented! Once Betty passed away, he lost that passion for traveling without her by his side. His greatest hobby has been his wonderful model building of replicas of WWII ships and airplanes. The tiniest details were never neglected, and many are proudly displayed in his home today, as well as homes of his grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
He is survived by five children; his son, Richard W. Canupp, and his daughters, Martha Riggins, Bunnie Walker, and her husband Mike, Deborah Nash, and her husband Bruce, and Susan Pope, and her husband Tony. Paw Paw was loved dearly by his grandchildren Anne Sapp, Todd Walker (Lindsey), Ashley Brown (Clay), Justin Nash (Kristin), Lindsay Scott (Matt), and Lauren Nichols (Tim), as well as his seven great grandchildren; Judah, Kellen, Ethan, Hudson, Chloe, Lincoln & Ivy.
The family wishes to thank Hospice & Palliative Care at Lake Norman, and most recently Visiting Angels and Serenity House, Mooresville. We are particularly thankful for the love & compassion shown by Jaclyn Atwelk and Beth Ricciani for their loving and devoted care during our father's illness over the past few years. They became like family to our daddy and he cared deeply for each of them.
A celebration of Richard's life will be held Saturday, October 3, at 11:00AM, James Funeral Home, 10520 Arahova Drive, Huntersville, NC, officiated by Dr. Bo Prosser. The family will receive friends immediately after the service, followed by a full military burial at Forest Lawn East, 3700 Forest Lawn Dr., Indian Trail, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: Hospice & Palliative Care, Lake Norman or The Serenity House, Mooresville, NC.
James Funeral Home is serving the Canupp family and online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?