Gaylon Lee "Fat" Canipe went home to be with the Lord Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Carolinas Medical System-Mercy. Born November 29, 1940 he was the son of the late William Woodrow Canipe and wife Rosella Gantt Canipe, and his step-father William Self, Jr. Fat served in the U.S. Army, and loved spending his time fishing, hunting deer, was an avid Tar Heels fan and enjoyed dancing. He was the former owner of Cleveland County Recycling, worked year round with the Cleveland County Fair, and helped often with the Relay for Life. He retired from Duke Energy after 30 years. Fat was a lifelong member of Allen Memorial Baptist Church and was very proud of his gardening and loved his family and friends. He was nicknamed "Mr. Fix-it" if he couldn't fix it, he always knew someone who could.

In addition to his parents, Fat is preceded in death by three brothers; Don Canipe, Gary Canipe, and Jimmy Canipe.

Fat is survived by his wife of 34 years Mary Canipe, son Dr. Mark Canipe and wife Ginger of Beech Island, SC, three daughters; Leesa Lusk and husband Tony of Gastonia, Christine Teague and fiancé Carl Falls of Grover and Amber Oliver and husband Jared of Grover as well as one sister, Jo Lankford and companion Dale White of Shelby and one brother Robert "Buddy" Canipe of Shelby. Seven grandchildren; Bryon Rowell, J Rowell, Rhett Canipe, Courtney Freeman, Hayley Burton, Dezsel Oliver, and Vincent Oliver and twelve great-grandchildren; Rileigh Canipe, Jett Canipe, Ryan Rowell, Levi Rowell, Luke Rowell, Liam Rowell, Autumn Canipe, Mallie Rowell, Aden Rowell, Canton Freeman, Lucy Freeman and Huxley Burton.

Funeral Service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Putnam Baptist Church with Dr. Mark Canipe and Rev. Robbie Moore officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Allen Memorial Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to: Allen Memorial Baptist Church, Piano Fund, at 1222 Long Branch Road, Grover, NC 28073.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Canipe.