ForeverMissed
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His Life

Milton's Legacy of Love, Laughter and Life

April 4, 2014
<p style="text-align: justify;">The family affectionately remembers Milton Canady, 52 of  Los Angeles, California who departed this life on April 11, 2013 at his home. Milton was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on April 5, 1961 to Doris Hansley Canady and the late William Henry Canady. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">He attended Island Creek Baptist Church in Rocky Point, North Carolina where he was baptized as a teen. He attended West Angeles Church of God in Christ  in Los Angeles, California. His selfless love and devotion to his family was immeasurable. His commitment to preserve a strong foundation of love, support and reverence for his family was uncompromising. His generosity and desire to make a difference in the lives of others are evident that he was known as a an individual with compelling integrity. His unconditional love and special devotion to his mother was immeasurable. He often times expressed his profound gratitude for the godly lives of his parents, as he also understood that his steps were ordered by God.  </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Milton's passion for entertainment was revealed long before he achieved his lifelong ambition of becoming an actor and comedian. Given his interest in film and television, Milton enthusiastically embraced his opportunities for theater and drama in school. As a drama student at E.A. Laney High School, he played the role of Walter L. Younger in the notably acclaimed film "A Raisin in the Sun" in which he affirmed that acting has always been a life-long ambition of his. His courage and determination to succeed were inspirational. It was his inextinguishable flame of "hope" that led to the decision to leave the coastal sandy beaches of Wilmington, North Carolina upon graduation to study and pursue an acting career in Los Angeles, California in 1979. He knew there was a whole world to conquer that was beyond the shores of Wilmington, North Carolina. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">He also enjoyed videography as his personal hobby. His extensive collection of personal movies and film captured precious memories and special occasions of his family and friends. His visual and literary documentaries are family heirlooms that will be forever treasured. His travels abroad allowed him to share memories of  Greece and Africa. His personal passions and his career in the entertainment industry afforded him an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds -- to capture the world through the lens of a camera and captivate his audiences with life experiences, love and laughter. He found joy in his life's work and achievements. His perseverance and willingness to work hard and to go the extra mile are attributes towards his success in his personal and professional life. His relentless pursuit to follow his dreams demonstrated his determination to achieve greatness in his endeavors.  As an actor and comedian, he shared his blessings and talents through the warmth of laughter. Milton's recurring role on the sitcom "Home Improvement" earned him national presence in the entertainment industry. He was an active member of the The Screen Actors</span><strong style="text-align: justify;"> </strong><span style="text-align: justify;">Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (</span><strong style="text-align: justify;">SAG</strong><span style="text-align: justify;">-</span><strong style="text-align: justify;">AFTRA</strong><span style="text-align: justify;">) organization. He was also employed by the Federal Express Corporation in Los Angeles, California.  A partial list of his movie credits include: "Out of Darkness" with Diana Ross; "The Jacksons: An American Dream"; "Poetic Justice" with Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson; "Demolition Man" with Sylvester Stallone; "Mortal Combat".   His television show credits include, "Parenthood" with Robert Townsend; “The Wayans Brothers” with Shawn and Marlon Wayans; "Home Improvement" and "Last Man Standing" with Tim Allen; Sullivan and Sons, and General Hospital.  His first television debut was as a contestant on the “Price is Right”, hosted by Bob Barker. Milton shared his love of film and his mother when he submitted the winning video, “The World’s Best Mom.” for the “Home Show”.  Milton and his mother made a guest appearance on the show.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">He shared his infectious smile and charismatic spirit with everyone he encountered. His gratuitous gift of love has touched the lives of many from coast to coast and his inextinguishable flame of life, love and laughter will forever remain in the warmth of our hearts. Milton loved and was loved by all who knew him.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Milton is survived by his mother, Doris Hansley Canady. His father, William Henry Canady preceded him in death in December 2000.   He is survived by his sisters, Debra Canady-Foster (David) and Wanda Canady-Wheeler (Steve), and one brother, Randall Canady.  Two older brothers preceded him in death, James Henry Canady (Yvonne) and William Clark Canady. He served as a mentor, friend and guiding force in the lives of his nieces, Olisha Canady (Graham, NC), Maya Foster (Nashville, TN), Brittney Canady (Raleigh, NC) , LaToya Person (Raleigh, NC) and one great-great  niece, Madison Canady (Raleigh, NC), Amber Lee (Tacoma, WA),Tionna Jones (Tacoma, WA); and his nephews, Mark Canady (Wilmington, NC) ,Marshall Foster (Statesboro, GA) and Michael Jones (Wilmington, NC), Randall Canady, Jr. (Tampa, FL).  He is also survived by one great- aunt, Loretta Grady (Wilmington, NC) and his two aunts, Delores Sidberry (Brooklyn, NY) and Mary Canady (Knightdale, NC); his uncle Andrew Canady (Raleigh, NC); and a host of “special cousins”, family members and friends.</span></p>