Anthony 'Lamar' Canup

Anthony “Lamar” Canup, age 78, of Sautee, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021.

Mr. Canup was born on March 1, 1943, in Helen, GA, to the late Smith Monroe Canup and Annie Aurora Allison Canup.  He was the owner of Lamar Canup State Farm Insurance Company and attended Helen First Baptist, Center Baptist, and Pinecrest Mennonite in Stapleton, GA.  He was also a veteran of the United States Army.

Amazing how the years have flown by. Lamar managed to accomplish so much and kept charging ahead with energy and a positive attitude.  From humble beginnings, he made his way in childhood shining shoes, washing cars, painting a house and selling grit paper.  He was always trying to learn something and even taught himself sign painting. At 13, he made his way to Atlanta to take art classes. Mentors along the way saw his determination to be an achiever.  He started in radio in Cleveland and then went to Louisville, Ga to work at WPEH which he nicknamed "The Peach". He was then drafted in the Army and not sent to Vietnam because his brother, Bobby, was over there.  He was posted to the wonderful world of armed service radio, where he received a commendation for a job well done. Back into the world of radio, he met many artists like John Denver and Willie Nelson who came to the studio to promote their songs. He also helped Hugh Jarrett, one of Elvis' backup singers, and they did the Hugh Baby Hops together. He went on the air at WPLO and WPPI and then WSB TV where he was the cameraman for many shows... one, in particular, was the Officer Don and the Popeye Club, which was the favorite of his niece, Sheree, and she loved seeing Lamar on TV. Then along came the challenge to build and operate a radio station which made him feel he had reached the pinnacle in radio.  In 1981, the opportunity to become a State Farm Agent in his hometown area happened, which he served with pride and devotion for 38 wonderful years.  Lamar had the opportunity to travel the world and explore new interests like scuba diving, snowmobiling, snow skiing and climbing Machu Picchu. He enjoyed life right up to the moment he suffered a massive brain bleed which could no longer sustain his life.  He will be sorely missed by his wife, family and many friends. He was welcomed into heaven by his glorious Savior.

In addition to his parents Lamar is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Walls Canup; son, Anthony “Tony” Lamar Canup II; siblings, Annie Ruth Canup, Edward Canup. Elene Ravan, Charles Canup, Margie Nell Brown, Lewis Canup, and Bobby Canup.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Canup; son and daughter-in-law, Casey and Wendy Canup; grandchild, Kamrie Canup; sisters, Jean Grizzle Stancil, Kathleen Taylor; stepdaughter, Lisa and Carl Rayborn; step-grandchildren, Brianna Rayborn, Megan Avery, and Rowan Rayborn

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home.  The Rev. Jim Holmes, the Rev. Michael Wilkes and the Rev. Randall Goossen will officiate.  Entombment will follow at Yonah View Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

A livestream of the service can be viewed by clicking here: https://vimeo.com/660498271.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital – 501 St. Jude’s Place – Memphis, TN 38105.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com.