"TABOR CITY-Andre Conley Canipe, 63, passed away suddenly after an extended illness Sunday evening, Nov. 21, 2010, at the Columbus County Regional Medical Center in Whiteville.

Andre was the co-owner and manager of Fowler's Grill in Loris, S.C., with his wife Rhonda Fowler Canipe, since 1986. He was recently predeceased by his father-in-law: C.M. Fowler.

Andre was born Dec. 26, 1946, in Cleveland County, a son of the late A.C. and Geraldine Schwren Canipe. He graduated from Shelby High School and was a friendly, well-mannered and easy-going individual. Andre was very even-tempered, seldom expressed or showed anger and profanity wasn't in his vocabulary. He was honest, helpful and fair, when dealing with the public. Andre was faithful in handling his business and work responsibilities.

Andre always looked forward to his annual trips to Florida and spending time at The Magic Kingdom. Throughout his illness, Andre never complained and accepted help and care from his loving and dedicated caregivers with dignity and respect. Even through his illness, Andre still maintained his joy for life and enjoyed watching movies daily and always found something to laugh about. Even in the recent death of his father-in-law, he expressed concern and love for his well-being.

As a father, Andre was loving, caring, giving, patient and non-demanding. He always put his family first instead of himself because he was such an unselfish individual.

He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rhonda Fowler Canipe of Tabor City; a son, Scott Canipe and his wife, Tammy of Shelby; two very special granddaughters, Ashley and Lauren Canipe of Shelby; a son, Craig Larrimore and his wife, Steffani of Wilmington; grandson, Zackary Lilly of Wilmington; a son, Chris Canipe and his wife Beth of Shelby; a son, Michael Canipe and his wife Courtney of Shelby; grandchildren, Payton, Logan, Gavin, Alexis, and Tristen Canipe, all of Shelby; a sister, Patricia Weathers and her husband, Wayne of Shelby; a brother, Steve Canipe of Shelby and a brother-in-law, Byron E. Fowler of Fancy Gap, Va..

Andre requested that his remains be cremated and a memorial to be held at The Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida at a later date.

Visitation: The family will receive friends at the residence, 203 Mallard St., Tabor City
Funeral home: Ward Funeral Home of Loris, S.C. is serving the family.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers: ALS Association, Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.

Online Condolences: wardfuneralhome.org

Published in Shelby Star on November 24, 2010."