WILMINGTON — With his trademark grin and a heart that never met a stranger, Donnie “Boodie” Canady stepped peacefully into eternity on June 18, 2025.
A Wilmington native through and through, Donnie spent more than 20 years as a beloved hairstylist and salon manager at Independence Mall. His chair was far more than a spot for a haircut—it was a haven for laughter, encouragement, and honest conversation. In 2009, his entrepreneurial spirit blossomed into Tanglez Salon & Spa, where he launched and nurtured the careers of more than 100 stylists. The beauty community here still bears his fingerprints, each stylist carrying forward a piece of Donnie’s passion and generosity.
Faith anchored his life. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Donnie followed in the footsteps of his parents, Major and Ernestine Canady, who joined the congregation in 1956. Donnie never missed a chance to arrive early at church on Sunday mornings, taking his place in the front pew—his lifelong seat, and the same one his parents faithfully filled for decades—so he could warmly greet everyone who walked through the doors.
Family meant everything to him. He was the devoted brother of Davis “Cubby” Canady (wife Cathy), Sharon “Honey” Pool (husband Mark), and John “JR” Canady (wife Wanda)
“Uncle Boodie” was legendary to his nine nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and nephews, each of whom knew they could call him day or night. Present for the delivery of most of them, Donnie loved to claim—half-joking, half-serious—that he’d “birthed more babies than anybody you ever met”.
He will be remembered for:
- An infectious smile that could light up a room before he even spoke
- Unshakeable loyalty—Donnie had the uncanny ability to show up first during every crisis, celebration, or late-night emergency.
- His nicknames— if Donnie ever called you “precious” or “Blanche,” you knew this was his good-natured way of letting you know you were being just a little bit ridiculous.
Donnie “Boodie” Canady’s legacy is woven into the stories, hairstyles, and hearts of an entire community. The echo of his love will continue to greet us—like that familiar, welcoming smile—whenever we need it most.
