Samuel Francis Canty

Sunrise April 10, 1961 - Sunset February 14, 2026 ​

Samuel Canty was born in Detroit, Michigan, to his parents, James Herbert Canty and Nancy L. (Sarp) Canty. He received his early education in the Detroit public school system. In the late 1960s, as the Detroit riots erupted, his father made the difficult decision to relocate the family to Ontario, Canada, believing it was the safest path forward.

Sam and his ten siblings, many of whom are present here today, lived and attended school in several towns throughout Ontario, including Strathroy, Alvinston, and Newcastle.

It was during these formative years that Sam learned the true meaning of hard work. By the age of ten, Samuel was running a farm and repairing anything that broke. His father, along with his siblings, built a restaurant, bar, and motel called The Rainbow. That was where the Canty family lived and thrived. From an early age, Sam had a lot of responsibility.

Because of that exposure, Samuel learned to use and repair a wide range of tools and equipment. Sam roofed homes, installed and ran electrical lines, and delegated work to his helpers, (his brothers and sisters). Sam gained hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of construction and building.

Looking back, it is unlikely he fully understood how those early lessons would lay the foundation for the years ahead.

In the early 1980s, Sam, his brother Jim, and his best friend Tim Little decided they had had enough of being told what to do. Determined to discover the world on their own terms, they packed up Jim’s 1950 Ford Meteor with all their worldly possessions and set their sights on sunny California; they made it as far as Arlington, Texas.

Somewhere between ambition and reality, they ran out of both gas and money. (Carol would later joke that they may not have realized just how large the state of Texas actually is.) With limited options, they found jobs at Wet ’n Wild Waterpark and rented a cheap room at the Red Roof Inn. California never happened. Texas was where they established the foundation of their family, careers, life, and future.

In 1986, Samuel met and married Carol Reed. Carol had a young son, Carlos, and Sam became an instant father. Together, they later welcomed two daughters, Samantha Carroll Canty and Sabrina Ch’ia Canty.

In January 1991, Sam launched his first company, Care Construction and Remodeling, Inc. Years later, after earning his credentials and becoming a Master Electrician, he founded AMPS Electrical AC & Heating.

Becoming a Master Electrician was one of his proudest accomplishments. He loved being a business owner. He loved seeing projects through from start to finish. He built strong, meaningful relationships with vendors, customers, inspectors, and especially his employees.

Samuel believed in giving people a chance. Sam was a teacher, he was always willing to offer someone an opportunity to work, to learn, and to build a valuable trade.

Now, Samuel was not always easy to work with. It was often his way or the highway. On the rare occasion that someone convinced him to try a different approach — and only if it was undeniably better — he would eventually admit they were right. Eventually, lol.

​Samuel was a complex man. Brilliant in ways that constantly surprised people. Sam’s math skills were off the charts. He could calculate numbers in his head faster than most people could reach for a calculator.

He had a unique sense of humor and found joy in simple things. He loved animals and nature and could spend hours watching documentaries. He was fiercely competitive in cards and board games and always played to win.

Samuel was thoughtful, generous, and willing to help almost anyone. He loved his family deeply and made sure they were well provided for and well protected. Samuel was not a perfect man, but he was a blessed one. God was gracious to Sam and he carried those blessings with gratitude.

Samuel was a giant; One of a kind. His family will forever love him. His legacy will be honored and cherished for generations. And if heaven has peaches and cream, we pray he has an endless supply.

Rest in peace, great warrior.

​Job well done.

I love you forever ​- Carol J. Canty

Samuel F. Canty is preceded in death by his parents James Herbert Canty (Father) and Nancy L. Canty (Mother), Nichols “Nick” Canty (Brother), Jean “Peaches” Brown (Sister).

Survivors - Carol J. Canty (Wife), Tom Stern (Son/his wife, Nicole), Carlos LaSean Reed,(Stepson/his wife, Darva), Samantha Carroll Canty (Daughter/her wife, Lauren), Sabrina Ch'ia Canty (Daughter), James “Ricky” Canty (Brother/his wife Arnita), Nancy Gammon (Sister/her partner, Ernie), James “Jim” Canty (Brother), Deanna Thomas (Sister/her husband, Tudor), Joel “Jeff” Canty (Brother/his wife Shelley), Joseph “Joe” Canty (Brother), Donna Parent (Sister/her partner Gae’tan), Rebecca “Becky” Canty (Sister), James “Josh” Canty (Brother) Kimberly “Kim” Canty (Sister/her partner Tim), 10 Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren, 2 Aunts, 2 Uncles, and a host of nephews/nieces/cousins & friends.

The family wishes to express its sincerest gratitude to family, friends, and all other relatives and supporters - Thank You! 

Special Recognition: 

Carol J. Canty - You are the love of my life - Until we meet again - Sam

Sam Gomes - Best Friend Forever - Sam loves you 

Ghrian Shine (Sally Simpson) My cup runneth over - love you - from Sam 

Clinton Garland - MY BROTHER FOR LIFE - I love you man - Sam 

Sharon Elliott - Godmother - Consultant/Advisor & Lifelong Family Friend - Much Love, Sharon from Sam 

Marilyn Foster - There from the beginning - “You’re Simply the Best”  ​

​Opal Brunston (Aunt) - I love you - Sam 

​Angel Vasquez - You were like a son to me - You’re Awesome - Love you Bro - Sam 

​Antwon Crosby - You held a son's place in my heart - Love you - Sam 

​Carlos “Grandson” Reed - I will miss our visits - love you forever - Sam 

Micky Vasquez - New school cool smart dude - I see you bro - much love -Sam 

​Carlos Vasquez - You got it man - Keep on keeping on - love you - Sam 

​My daughters - Everything I worked for, sacrificed for, and stood for, lives on in my girls.

 - Daddy loves you

A visitation will be held at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, located at 4216 South Bowen Road, Arlington, TX 76016, on February 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

The funeral service will follow at the same venue at 2:00 pm.

A repast will take place at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Rd., Arlington, Texas 76016, starting at 4:00 pm.