Raul Leoncio Cancela

If you asked a hundred people who was Raul Leoncio Cancela, they all would give you the same answer. A fighter. A superhero. A follower of Christ.

Raul was born on December 5, 1955 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to Leoncio Cancela and Mercedes Santiago. He spent his formative years in San Juan. He graduated from Maria Cadilla High School in 1974. He found his calling . . . caring for others. He graduated from Tuskegee Institute in 1979 with a degree in Physical Therapy. Raul was a dedicated health and fitness enthusiast. He had a third-degree black belt. He was employed as a physical therapist for 17 years. For those fortunate enough to be a patient, they received unparalleled care. He possessed remarkable skill and took great pride and joy in being a physical therapist. He retired after his stroke in 1997.

Raul loved his community and they loved him back. He was kind of a celebrity and superhero, affectionately known as “Mr. Rock Creek.” He loved riding his bike all through the neighborhood, up and down the winding roads. If you looked real close, you could see his cape flying in the wind as he rode his bike. He spent most of his time riding his bike all over Georgia. It was his way of not letting his illness get the best of him. He loved being outdoors. He enjoyed cycling, fishing, camping, and paintball. When he could no longer go camping, he would pitch his tent in the front yard and sleep among the stars.

Raul loved the Lord. He joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 2004. He loved going to church. He loved his church and especially loved the Reclaimed Men’s Group. When his health and the pandemic made it impossible to attend church, he enjoyed participating in Group remotely. He called those men some of his best medicine.

Raul was a fighter. Raul was diagnosed with cancer in 2017. He fought his battle against cancer with such courage and determination. He never stopped fighting. He never gave up. Above all, he loved spending time with his wife and children, dancing and listening to music, maybe a little Carlos Santana. He would say, “I fight every day to stay alive even if it gives me just one more minute with my family.” And that is exactly what he did until his last day. He passed away peacefully at his home in Rex, Georgia on Saturday, June 11, 2022, in the arms of his loving wife.

Raul is survived by his wife, Kathy Cancela of Rex, Georgia; two children, David Raul Cancela of Atlanta, Georgia and Giselle Marie Cancela of Lawrenceville, Georgia and his sister, Lourdes Claudio of West Palm Beach, Florida. He leaves to cherish his memories, a host of family and friends, his church family, and his Rock Creek family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leoncio and Mercedes.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. - Psalm 23:1-6 KJV

The family will receive friends of Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 4:00PM-7:00PM in the Heritage Suite of Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.

The Celebration of Life for Raul Leoncio Cancela will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 10:00AM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 7102 Mt Zion Boulevard, Jonesboro, GA 30236 with burial immediately following in Fairview Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.horisawardfairviewchapel.com for the Cancela family.