Wednesday, July 8, 2026 10:23 am

Mr. Bobby Ray Canipe, 97, of Belwood, NC, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

A native of Polkville, NC, he was a son of the late Lola Canipe, and step-son of the late Pinkney Swink.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1947 to 1953 in the 82nd Airborne Division and was a proud veteran of the Korean conflict. From August 16, 1947 until June 16, 1950, he served as a Private in Japan and received the Army of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp. From August 18, 1950 until August 17, 1953, he served as a Corporal and received the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Throughout his life, he worked as a mechanic on his grandfather's farm, at Cleveland Mills in Lawndale, at Century Furniture in Hickory, at Hudson Hosiery in Shelby, and retired from Shelby Elastics in Shelby. He was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Lawndale, NC.

He loved to farm, fish, hunt, travel, learn about his family history, discuss his service in the Army, play solitaire and chew tobacco.

In addition to his mother and step-father, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Lucille Canipe; his daughter, Rita Davis of Belwood; brothers Brady Lee Canipe, John William Swink, Jimmie Ivey Swink, Tommie Gene Swink, Pinkney "Buck" Swink, and Paul Swink; and sisters Ruby Jane Swink and Betty Lou Swink.

He is survived by his grandson, Christopher Davis and his wife, Amanda, of the home; three great-grandchildren, Ashley Denson and husband Cody, of Wellford, SC; and Spencer Davis and Liliana Davis, of the home; a great-great-granddaughter, Audrey Denson, of Wellford, SC; son, Michael Canipe of Crouse, NC; grandson, Ayden Canipe of Crouse, NC; sisters Annie Sue Swink, Mary "Dolly" Swink, Brenda Swink, Linda Swink, Helen Swink, Faye Swink, and Barbara Swink; sister-in-law, Margaret Swink; and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00pm at Zion Hill Baptist Church, with Rev. Allan Barlow officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Fallston.