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Portrait of Donnie Ray Canady
In loving memory of

Donnie Ray Canady

November 2, 1956 – June 18, 2025
Lived 68 years
Oleander Memorial Gardens · Wilmington, NC
“Thank you for being a friend”
Life story

💚 Donnie “Boodie” Canady

Donnie “Boodie” Canady was a beloved brother, faithful friend, gifted stylist, and devoted servant of Christ whose life radiated warmth and joy. With his trademark grin and welcoming spirit, he had a rare gift for making every person feel seen, valued, and—if he called you “precious” or “Blanche”—lovingly teased.

For more than 20 years, his salon chair was far more than a place for a haircut. It was a haven of laughter, encouragement, honest conversation, and unwavering support. As the founder of Tanglez Salon & Spa, Donnie mentored and launched the careers of more than 100 stylists, leaving fingerprints across the Wilmington beauty community that will never fade.

Faith anchored his life. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Donnie faithfully took his seat in the second row on the left each Sunday morning—the same section his parents filled for decades—arriving early so he could warmly greet every person who walked through the doors.

Family meant everything to him. A devoted brother and legendary “Uncle Boodie,” he showed up first in every crisis, celebration, and late-night emergency. His loyalty was unshakeable, his heart generous, and his love constant.

He loved laughter, loyalty, and an episode of The Golden Girls. At the close of his Celebration of Life, he was wheeled out as the congregation stood and sang his favorite song, “Thank You for Being a Friend”—a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life being exactly that.

Though he stepped into eternity on June 18, 2025, the echo of his love continues to greet us—like that familiar smile—whenever we need it most.

⸻

💚 A Sister’s Note

Boodie, you were my AWESOME big brother, my steady place, and my lifelong very best friend. Thank you for always being there, loving without limits, and filling my world with laughter. I will always save you a seat.

Love always,

Honey

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The world Donnie knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1956
Born November 2
1959
Donnie was 3 when Barbie made her debut
1967
Donnie was 11 when the first Super Bowl was played
1976
Donnie was 20 when America celebrated its Bicentennial
1981
Donnie was 25 when MTV began broadcasting
1998
Donnie was 42 when Google was founded
2001
Donnie was 45 when Apple introduced the iPod
2016
Donnie was 60 when the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908
2022
Donnie was 66 when Queen Elizabeth II died after 70 years on the throne
2025
Passed away June 18, age 68
Tributes and memories

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alison Sessoms 23w

My best buddy

I miss my BFF so much ♥️ love you My Donnie

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Sharon Pool 30w

Easter Gatherings

Easter was always a special time for our family. We would begin the day at church, celebrating the true meaning of Easter, and then spend the afternoon together—laughing, eating, and making memories that would last a lifetime. Boodie loved these gatherings. He loved the joy, the noise, the traditions, and most of all, having his family all in one place. Whether it was watching the kids hunt eggs, sitting around the table, or just enjoying the moment, these were the times that meant the most to him. You could always count on Boodie to bring laughter to the day—sometimes in the simplest ways, sometimes in the most unforgettable ones (like a bright Easter bonnet that no one else could pull off quite like he could). He made every gathering feel a little more special, a little more joyful. Easter won’t be the same without him. His presence, his laughter, and the love he brought to these moments will always be missed. But the memories we made together will stay with us forever.

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Sharon Pool 34w

Tanglez Potluck Days

At Tanglez, we didn’t just work together — we shared life together. One of Donnie’s (Boodie’s) favorite traditions was our potluck luncheons. Everyone would bring a dish, and before long the tables would be filled with everything from homemade casseroles and desserts to creative holiday treats. Those lunches were about more than food. They were about taking time to laugh, celebrate each other, and enjoy being together in the middle of busy salon days. Boodie believed that a great team was built around a table just as much as behind a chair. Tanglez was truly a family, and those potluck days are memories we will always cherish.

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Sharon Pool 34w

The Tanglez Family

Tanglez was never just a salon to Boodie — it was his dream, his passion, and his second family. Over the years, he built more than a successful business; he built a community of talented artists, loyal clients, and lifelong friendships. He loved his team deeply and believed that when people felt supported and inspired, they could do incredible things. Whether it was celebrating awards, sharing laughter during monthly potluck luncheons, or simply gathering together at the salon after a long day, Boodie made sure Tanglez always felt like home. His leadership was about more than hair — it was about mentorship, encouragement, creativity, and pride in the craft. Seeing his team grow, succeed, and shine was one of his greatest joys. The walls of Tanglez hold decades of memories, and the people who walked through its doors became part of the family he loved so much.

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alison SessomsMiss you so much !
Sharon Pool 34w

Donnie’s Annual Christmas Bash

Christmas was Boodie’s season. Every year, he transformed his sunroom into his very own Christmas tree room — a glowing, magical space where people lined up to take selfies in front of his beautifully decorated tree. He didn’t just decorate… he created an experience. For 29 years, he hosted Donnie’s Annual Christmas Bash. Family, friends, neighbors, employees, and clients — more than 200 people each year — would come through his doors. He did everything big. Bartenders. A DJ. Beautiful music played inside by Miss Donna on his baby grand piano. Laughter filled every corner of the house. And in true Boodie fashion, the party always had a purpose. Guests brought unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, and he would collect around 400 toys each year for local children. He made Christmas brighter — not just with lights, but with generosity, joy, and a heart that welcomed everyone. I sure am going to miss those days.

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Sharon Pool 34w

Cadillac Rides and Dales Seafood

This picture was taken in front of his beloved Cadillac, getting ready to take Momma somewhere — most likely a doctor’s appointment or one of our cherished trips to Dale’s Seafood in Tabor City. We tried to go monthly to have lunch with our aunts, uncles, and cousins. Boodie loved those family outings. He took such pride in caring for Mom and making sure she got where she needed to be. Whether it was an appointment or a seafood lunch, he made it feel special.

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Sharon Pool 34w

Costco Runs and Social Hour

One of Boodie’s favorite pastimes was our “mini Costco outings.” Costco and Harris Teeter were his happy places. He could spend an hour or more walking up and down the aisles, talking with everyone like he had known them for years. He always said that was his “social time.” We laughed so much doing the most ordinary things — grocery shopping, comparing prices, and of course, taking silly pictures like this one with the giant wine glass at Costco. With Boodie, even everyday errands became memories.

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