Canup recalled for impact on others

Lamar Canup, a longtime local insurance agent and radio fixture, is being remembered for his caring nature and lasting influence on those who knew him.

Canup, a Helen native who was living in Sautee Nacoochee, died Sunday at 78. He brought blessings to the lives of others, said the Rev. Michael Wilkes of Center Baptist Church in Robertstown, where Canup attended for many years.

“When you met Lamar, you met someone who was gracious and generous and you felt better about yourself,” said Wilkes “In preparing to speak at the funeral, I asked my daughter, a word [to describe him]: impactful, influential. Whatever he did he was an influence, whether it was church or insurance, he really poured himself into others.”

Many got to know Canup from his 38 years as State Farm insurance agent in White County, beginning in 1981.

“He lived for a legacy and not to impress people,” said the Rev. Jim Holmes of Helen First Baptist Church, who knew Canup for 21 years through the church and his insurance business. “He wasn’t ever motivated to impress people. He was motivated by his love for the Lord.”

Canup also had a well-established career in radio, working at several stops before joining the Cleveland-based WRWH radio station in 2008. He brought his vocal and engineering talents to his work and co-owned the station with Dean Dyer.

“He was a vital part of what the station is today,” Dyer said. “In the new building, he did all the wiring that we use for communications, and whatever he did, he did it first-class all the way, and I really admired that about him.”

Joy Martin knew Canup from her childhood. When she grew up she became a stay home mother, Canup needed someone to help out in the insurance office three days a week. She took the job and worked there for 17 years until Canup retired.

“He was a wonderful employer and a great boss,” said Martin. “If my kiddos needed to come in after school, he would welcome them and would even play with them if the office wasn’t busy ... They defiantly made my family feel like part of their family ... I consider myself blessed for having such a kind-hearted, generous, and caring person as my boss and more importantly my friend. He will be greatly missed.”

Funeral services were scheduled for Dec. 29. A full obituary is on page 3A.