Robert Wendell "Buddy" Canipe, age 87 went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Born January 30, 1937, Buddy was the son and last surviving child of the late William Woodrow Canipe and wife Rosella Gantt Canipe, and step-father William Self, Jr. In addition to his parents, Buddy is preceded in death by his sister Jo Canipe Lankford and four brothers: Don Canipe, Gary Canipe, Gaylon "Fat" Canipe, and Jimmy Canipe and his former wife, Margaret Louise "Nancy" Canipe.

Buddy loved the USA. He was a Patriot and proudly served his Country as an Airman in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1963.

Buddy was fiercely loyal to his family and his friends. He never met a stranger. He lived his life as a giver, not a taker. Buddy loved tending to his vegetable garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends. Buddy was a long-suffering Carolina Panthers fan. Win or lose, a cold beer and a tailgate on a cool crisp Sunday afternoon was a perfect day for Buddy, rivaled only by watching a NASCAR race in his recliner with his loving grandson, Christopher close by his side.

Buddy possessed a tireless work ethic. At the time of his death, he was the owner of WH Rogers Sheet Metal and was very proud of the more than twenty WH Rogers employees. Buddy was also the owner of Trican Properties and he formerly owned Cleveland County Recycle.

Buddy is survived by two sons Wendell Canipe and Sandy Canipe. Three loving and devoted grandchildren Chris Canipe, Brittany Mathies and Kate Canipe. Four great-grandchildren Autumn, Jeffrey, Leland and Kai Mathies. One sister-in-law Mary Ann Canipe of Grover and former daughter-in-law Victoria Clemons . Buddy is also survived by many other special nieces, nephews and friends and, of course, his loyal dog Rocky, who was with him until the end.

A graveside service with be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Cleveland Memorial Park with Dr. Mark Canipe offering words of encouragement for those in attendance. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations/memorials can be made in Buddy's honor to Shriners Children's
Attn: Shriners Children's, P O Box 947765 Atlanta, GA 30394

Online condolences can be made at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com