Philip N. Canant

Visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Carolina Funeral Home, located at 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, South Carolina.

Funeral services will be held on March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Carolina Funeral Home with Pastors, Gary Rupert of the Charleston Church of the Nazarene and Robert Canant of Hopewell Baptist Church officiating. Burial services directly following in Carolina Memorial Gardens.

Philip was born in Andalusia, Alabama to Otto and Gladys Canant on June 5th, 1936. He attended school at Straughn High School. He married his wife, Barbara on January 10th, 1961. They just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.

He left a legacy of honorable military service. He served two (2) years in the Army National Guard, nine (9) years in the Navy and seventeen (17) years in the Air Force. He attended The Military Airlift Command Noncommissioned Officers Academy and The United States Airforce Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Wing Commander. He finished his distinguished military career retiring as Chief Master Sargent in 1980.

In addition to serving his country, Philip loved to serve God. He served as a worship and praise leader for more than forty (40) years. He served his country with honor and distinction, carrying that same integrity and strength into every part of his life. He found his greatest joy in time spent with his loving wife and was endlessly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the center of his world. Whether casting a line at his favorite fishing spot or gathering around the table with family, he cherished the simple moments most. His love was steady, generous, and unwavering, and his legacy lives on in the lives and hearts of those he treasured most.

Philip was preceded in death by his son, Eddie; parents, Otto and Gladys; brothers, George and Junior; and sisters, Dorothy and Vivian.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children: Delores and Tony; his grandchildren: Jessica (Dale), Brad, Stephanie (Gerardo), Angela (Justin), Cullen (Tanessa) and Bodhi (Paige); and his great-grandchildren: Justin, Jarrett, Rachel, Juliana, Autumn, Brielle, Zoey, Bryson, Eli, Talon, Urijah, Quinn, Maddox, Stella and Leighton.

Pallbearers will be Brad Bailey, Cullen Young, Bodhi Young, Justin Hardesty, Dale Hardesty and Gerardo Valdez.