Obituaries

Dr. Maurice Lewis Canaday, Sr., age 92 of Lincolnton, North Carolina, died on Sunday, March 16, 2025.  He was born December 12, 1932, in Johnston County, North Carolina to the late Ralph Clarence Canaday I and Onie Lewis Canaday.  He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Malpass Canaday of Lincolnton, North Carolina, his brothers, Ralph Clarence Canaday II, and Merwin Sharpe Canaday of Four Oaks, North Carolina.

Maurice graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in undergraduate school and Medical School. His Medical Residency was at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.  He served as a doctor in the Air Force at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana.  After leaving the Air Force he relocated to Lincolnton, North Carolina, where he set up his first medical practice at the old Gamble Hospital.  He and Dr. Leary Reid set up Lincoln Family Practice, later bringing in Dr. Robert Reid.  Maurice served as chief of staff for Lincoln County Hospital for a period of time.  

After retiring from Lincoln Family Practice he went to work filling in at many urgent care facilities and doctor offices of Carolina Medical Centers.  Carolina Medical Center asked him to start a practice in the west Lincoln area of North Carolina until another doctor could be hired to take his place (West Lincoln Family Medicine).

He was one of the original founders and elders of Covenant Church in Lincolnton, North Carolina.

He was a member of First Associate Presbyterian Church of Gastonia, North Carolina, and served as one of the elders.  He sang in the choir and served on the mission’s board for ARP churches.

Maurice served at First Baptist of Lincolnton, North Carolina.  He sang in the choir, served as a deacon and teacher.   During his last years, he attended Lebanon Methodist Church of Maiden, NC, with his daughter Carla and granddaughter McKenzie. He joyfully sang in the church choir.

He was an athlete from childhood up through his adult years and was an avid sports fan.

He worked as a volunteer with the Lincolnton chapter of the North Carolina Symphony for a number of years.  He also worked with Shepherds Way Drug Abuse Board of Gastonia, North Carolina.

He was a member of Community Bible Study in Gastonia, North Carolina.

He gave his Christian Testimony to many different groups and churches.

He is survived by a daughter, Carla Canaday Stewart of Lincolnton (fiance John Charles Hartzog); son, Maurice Lewis Canaday, Jr. of Lincolnton (Michele); grandchildren, Rachel Stewart Reinders (Jurrie), Hailey Smith Cornwell (Jeff), McKenzie Lynne Canaday, and Scarlett Lea Canaday; and great-grandchildren, Beau Alexander Reinders, Crew Jurrien Reinders, Esme Stewart Reinders, Quinlyn Doris Cornwell, and Owynn Elizabeth Cornwell.

His receiving of friends will be Saturday, March 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Warlick Funeral Home in Lincolnton, North Carolina.  The funeral will be Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 pm in the Warlick Funeral Home Chapel.  The graveside will follow in Hollybrook Cemetery.  

Flowers are appreciated, but for those who prefer donations may be made to the charity of ones choice.