Born July 30, 1927, in Mullens, West Virginia, Joe was a son of the late Emma and Marion Cannaday. He served in the Navy for six years and attended West Virginia University. Joe co-owned the east coast franchise of Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and was very active in raising money for Easter Seals. Joe lived much of his life in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his daughter, Claudia McKenzie; his sisters, Ann Wilcox and husband, Ivan, and Mary Swope and husband, Burb; and his brothers, Paul Cannaday and Marion Cannaday and wife, Ruth.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Kathryn Cannaday; son, Curt J. Cannaday and wife, Beverly B. Cannaday; son, Craig P. Cannaday; grandsons, Kevin McKenzie, Clint J. Cannaday and Cody M. Cannaday; granddaughter, Carrie McKenzie; and great-grandchildren, Summer Griffin and Brianna McKenzie. Joe also leaves behind his nephews, John Swope and wife, Sue, Retired Col. Mike Swope and wife, Lucy, and Rusty Swope and wife, Lisa; and nieces, Lisa Wilcox and Carolyn Sue Keizer.
A celebration of life will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Friday, November 16th, at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel in Mint Hill, North Carolina. A funeral mass will be held at 9:00 am Saturday, November 17th, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church on Idlewild Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. He will be laid to rest following the mass at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte, North Carolina.
