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Meredith Drexel Canady, 94, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2019, at his home in East Dublin, GA. We are comforted in the peace of knowing his earthly suffering is over and that he is rejoicing with our Father in Heaven with eyes that are clear, hearing that is restored, a voice that is strong, and a body that is healed.
Drexel was born in Montgomery County, GA, the only son of Claud Berrien Canady and Narsie Cartrett Canady, on March 28th, 1925, but was a resident of Laurens County, GA for the past 70 years. He was employed by JP Stevens for 36 years, retiring in 1975 as a Card Room Supervisor. Upon his retirement, he went to work “at home” for the next 35-plus years.
He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in East Dublin and prior to his passing was the church’s oldest surviving member. He was an ordained deacon and served in several church officer capacities and on numerous committees, and also coached church softball teams while his health permitted. He loved his church.
Drexel was a proud veteran of World War II, having served in the 81st Infantry Wildcat Division of the US Army. He often told stories about his time in uniform – his favorite ones were told over and over again. He loved his country.
In January of 1954 he married Betty Jean Outlaw, a young widow with a son, Greg. He adopted him as his own and they built a life that soon saw the arrival of a daughter, Kathy, and almost 17 years later, much to their surprise, twin boys – Shawn and Shannon. Together Drexel and Betty enjoyed a God-centered, 64-year love story that withstood every storm, every disappointment, and every heartache and celebrated every joy, every achievement, and every answered prayer. Drexel spent a lifetime taking care of his family, teaching his children the values of hard work, honesty, tough love and abiding family devotion (sometimes with a healthy dose of discipline). Drexel loved the North Georgia mountains and went there with his family as often as he could, though never often enough. He taught his children how to play football, basketball and softball and loved watching them compete in team sports. He never missed a game and he always showed his support unconditionally, sometimes to the displeasure of umpires and referees. He was a master at Rummy and Poker and often enjoyed very competitive games with his wife and children, usually retaining his title as “the King”. He loved his family.
Drexel is preceded in death by his parents, Claud Berrien Canady and Narsie Cartrett Canady. He is survived by his wife Betty Outlaw Canady of East Dublin, GA; sons Greg (Billie) Canady of Dudley, GA; Shannon (Krystal) Canady of Montrose, GA; Shawn Canady of East Dublin, GA; daughter Kathy Canady Cooke of Macon, GA; grandchildren April (Max) Nolan of Paso Robles, CA; Bo (Angela) Canady of Perry, GA; Madison and Maci Canady and Allie Baggett of Montrose, GA; and McKinley Canady of East Dublin, GA; and great grandchildren Cal, Conner, and Natalie Kate Nolan of Paso Robles, CA; and Haleigh Albritton of Perry, GA.
The family would like to thank Serenity Place Hospice in Dublin for their dedicated and compassionate care during Drexel’s final days.
The funeral with military honors will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, East Dublin, GA at 11AM on Friday, 12/27/19 with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The Reverends Earl Warnock, Tommy Pulliam and Matt Haywood will officiate. Pallbearers will be Melvin Veal, Dwayne Outlaw, Davey Outlaw, Leslie Henderson, Ronnie Wilkes and Roy Kight. Honorary pallbearers will be Hall Outlaw, Andy Heath, W.J. Wilson, Marshal McDuffie, and the members of the F.A. Josey Sunday School class of Bethlehem Baptist Church. The family will receive friends and family at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home from 6:00- 8:00PM on Thursday, 12/26/19. Townsend Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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