He grew up in Sunnyvale, Texas and as a young child he enjoyed any and all sports and playing outside with his brothers Dustin and Zachary.
He discovered a love for football and basketball in High School and was highly driven and talented in all sports. He had several offers for Division I scholarships in football, but ultimately chose to sign with the Bulldogs at Louisiana Tech. He played tight-end and won several all-academic and performance awards, and was an accomplished four year letterman. But the best thing that came out of Louisiana Tech for Paul was the love of his life, Laura Eastman. Introduced through mutual friends, it was absolutely love at first sight for Paul.
Paul put football on the sideline after undergraduate school so he could pursue an MBA at LSU. Geaux Tigers! He married Laura in 1993 and they spent their early days in Dallas enjoying Rangers games and having fun together with friends.
He and Laura moved to Houston in 1998 and he began his career at Coastal Corporation. He also worked for Apache energy and ultimately was hired by KPMG to begin a long and accomplished career in the Internal Audit and Regulatory Compliance group, with a focus on oil and gas. He was eventually promoted to the position of junior partner.
What he would likely call the best day of life, and his crowning achievement, was the birth of his beautiful daughter, Marley, on June 8th, 1999.
His passion for playing quickly turned into a passion for coaching Marley and her many friends. He was eager to pass along his love of sports to his daughter, and became a second daddy to all of the little girls in Marley’s life. Spending time with Marley brought him more joy than anything in his life. From Indian Princess outings to eating raw Oysters together after church, time with Marley was what he lived for every day.
When Marley’s sights turned from the ball field to the dance floor, Paul refused to be sidelined. He was at every mini-recital, big performance and spring show. He was of course also at every football game to watch Marley lead her dance team at half time. He could not have been prouder of Marley for all of her accomplishments and she was truly the light of his life. She made him even prouder when she chose to wear the Purple and Gold and follow his footsteps to LSU, Geaux Tigers!
Paul always had a positive outlook and remained in control of every situation. Everyone around him mentioned his incredible calming presence. He looked forward to football season every year so that he could entertain his friends and cook steaks, sausage and fish on his outdoor grill.
As the fisherman he was, he naturally calmed all waters around him. He was not the loudest guy in the room, but he was decidedly the strongest, the voice of reason and the glue that held everyone together. Paul was the true definition of gentle giant and his kindness left an indelible mark on everyone he knew. He was an anchor of support to friends and family alike.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Laura Eastman Cannaday and his pride and joy, Marley Eastman Cannaday. He is also survived by his parents Jerry and Sandy Cannaday, brothers Dustin Cannaday (Sandra) and Zachary Cannaday (Amanda). In-laws Perry and Ninette Eastman and Gordon and Marda Johnson. Brothers-in-law Perry Eastman IV (Karen) and Michael Eastman (Jessica). Sister-in-law Marley Eastman LeBourgeois (Michael LeBourgeois). Nephews and nieces, Haley, Shelby, Abby, Connor, Ella Grace and Emerson Cannaday; Morgan, Kingsland, James LeBourgeois and Perry V and Mary Ben Eastman.
In lieu of flowers, we are in the process of establishing an athletic scholarship fund for Louisiana Tech, in Paul's name.
