Robert Mike Canter

Robert Mike Canter, 94 of Naples, Florida and Marion, Virginia, and the last surviving member of his family, passed away January 26, 2024.

Mike was born in 1930, in Saltville, Virginia to Paul Clifford Canter, Sr. and Lela M. Canter. He was a member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church in Teas, Virginia and attended East Tennessee State University. He married the love of his life, Jean Griffitts Canter, on August 8, 1953. Mike was a veteran of the US Air Force, where he served in Japan during the Korean War. His career spanned over several decades during which time he worked for the Brunswick Corporation’s aerospace division in Marion, Virginia and for Diebold Inc., throughout the state of Virginia, where he served as regional manager. Mike enjoyed sports and attending sporting events, coaching baseball and he mostly loved attending church and spending time with and taking trips with his family. He was a devoted husband and father.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Griffitts Canter; parents Paul Clifford Canter, Sr. and Lela M. Canter; siblings Mae Olinger, Lizzie Surber, Ruth Shortt, Mary Cardwell, J.C. Canter, Paul Clifford Canter Jr., Charles “Buddy” Canter and Sid Canter. 

Mike is survived by two sons, Michael Canter of Naples, Fla. and Roy Canter and wife, Terry of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; three grandchildren, Michael, Christopher and wife Crystal, and Sara and husband Kestona, all of Naples, Fla.; two great grandchildren Jolie and Kobe.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10 until 11 a.m. at Elizabeth Methodist Church, 574 Highlander Road, Sugar Grove, Va 24375. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mike Dixon officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force Funeral Honors Guard and Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. Burial will be private in Meek Cemetery, Teas Road, Sugar Grove, Va.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth Methodist Church, c/o Carol Choate, 788 Teas Road, Sugar Grove, Va. 24375.

To share memories of Robert Mike Canter, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Mike has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.