Obituaries

Mr. Paul Charley Canipe, age 82, of Lincolnton, went home to be with his heavenly Father on Friday, December 12, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2014, at Redeemed Baptist Church, 1525 Riverview Road in Lincolnton, with Rev. Alan Wheeler officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Paul was born December 18, 1931, to the late Otto Charley Canipe and Letha VanDyke Canipe of Belmont. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Ruth Canipe, brothers Dan Canipe and Dicky Canipe, sister Louise Walker, and son-in-law Milton Heavner.

Paul loved God, family, and country. He was retired from the US Air Force with 20 years of service. His foreign service spanned from 1951 to 1971 where he proudly served in Korea, Japan, Germany, Vietnam, and Thailand. His military awards included Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Bronze Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four Bronze Loops, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Expert Ribbon, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal. He served with the US Postal Service Police. Paul was a member of American Legion Post 23 and a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans Air Force Sergeants Association.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Poarch Canipe of the home; son, Richard Canipe and wife Julie of Donalsonville, GA; daughters, Ann Hovis and husband Don of Oak Island, Janet Heavner of Lincolnton, Peggy Eaker and husband Mike of iron Station, and Mary Davis and husband Ronnie of Iron Station. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Nichole Farley of Lincolnton, Amanda Ledbetter of Tallahassee, FL, Rusty Davis of Denver, Aaron Davis of Atlanta, GA, and Richie Canipe of Quincy, FL; four great-grandchildren; and brothers Jack Canipe and Micky Canipe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Redeemed Baptist Church, 1525 Riverview Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092.