Crisler Excel Canterbury, 84, passed away peacefully to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, December 3rd 2016. Cris, or Pops as he was known to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born September 22, 1932. Visitation will be 12 – 1:30pm Tuesday at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS with a service following in the chapel at 1:30pm. Burial will follow in White Oak Cemetery.
He graduated from Mize high school and from the University of Southern Mississippi. He married his wife, Diane, in 1955 and together they raised 3 children Janice Lynn, Crisler Buckley, and William Earl.
Crisler dearly loved his children and especially his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. His face was the brightest when one of his family walked through the door. In the 1980’s he and Diane bought a house with a pool, though he could not swim, just so the kids would have a fun place to come. He also loved, or some would say, was extremely passionate about the Golden Eagles. Many happy times were had tailgating with the family.
Crisler certainly knew how to stretch a dollar, but his generosity knew no bounds. It brought him great joy to help others. As the family historian, he loved to share the family’s history. He knew who was married to whom and their children’s children.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtis and Earl Canterbury and his daughter, Lynn. He is survived by his wife Diane, his brother Riley (Mary); his sons Buck (Nancy) and Bill (Sarah). 7 grandchildren knew him as Pops; Matt (Kacie) and Luke Davis; Ryan (Sarah) Canterbury: Chase and Lance Canterbury; Heather McLeod; and Russell (Shannon) Smith; along with 8 great-grandchildren, Kendall, Mallory, Bridget, Tanner, Dylan, Luke, Caroline and Harrison.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakeside Presbyterian Church or Alzheimer’s Association of Mississippi.