Freeman Douglas Canty

Freeman Douglas Canty, 83, or “Douglas” as he was known, was born to Louvenia Simmons Riley and Woodrow Canty in Brevard, NC on October 8, 1942, and departed this life on August 1, 2026. Douglas was raised by his mother and grandmother, Florence Webb Johnson. The only child in his home, Douglas was surrounded by loving cousins who were more like siblings.

Douglas graduated from Ninth Avenue High School in Hendersonville, NC, in 1959 at 16 years of age. After graduating from high school, Douglas attended North Carolina Central University for two years before returning to Brevard to work as a Teletype Operator for DuPont. In 1965, Douglas married his wife, Minnie Davenport, to whom he would remain married for the rest of his life. In 1966, Douglas was drafted by the United States Army and was deployed to Korea to the Demilitarized Zone for most of his service. Douglas was honorably discharged in 1968.

After serving his country, Douglas returned to Brevard and resumed working for DuPont. Using the GI Bill, he also continued his education, enrolling in what was then Brevard Junior College, where he obtained his associate’s degree. He then enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business, before enrolling in the UNC School of Law. Douglas passed the State Bar before graduating.

After law school, Douglas accepted a position as an attorney with the Cleveland County, NC Public Defender’s Office as a public defender. Two years later, he accepted a position as an attorney with the City of Charlotte where he represented the city in civil litigation. In that capacity, Douglas was admitted and qualified as an Attorney and Counselor of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. Douglas retired as a Senior Assistant City Attorney in 2002.

More than any professional achievement, Douglas would want to be remembered for his devotion to family and his role as a father. Douglas devoted most of his time and energy to being the father he never had. His children were always his priority and all his major life decisions revolved around what was best for them. With his wife of 60 years, Minnie, he raised a family and demonstrated every day what a father should be, whether it was ensuring that his children had opportunities to continue their education, attending the numerous sporting events his children participated in, protecting them when necessary, or teaching them accountability and ownership of their actions. Douglas taught his children self-reliance and imparted in them the knowledge that they were responsible for their lives and could do anything if they were focused, disciplined, and persistent.

Douglas was an avid fan of all UNC sports, an affection shared by his wife and children. He was also a lifelong fan of the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts and New York Yankees. Douglas loved jazz, documentaries, nature and animals. Douglas was a master of the English language, the written word, and was an avid reader. He placed an importance on being thoughtful, attention to detail, loved to play “devil’s advocate” and loved a good debate.

Douglas was preceded in death by his mother, Louvenia Simmons Riley, grandmother, Florence Webb Johnson, aunt, Helen W. Sharp, stepfather Ellard E. Riley, and father, Woodrow Canty. Additionally, cousins, Shirly Ann Payne, Craig Melvin Wilkes, Kenneth Wilkes, Harold Wilkes, and Florence Denise Robinson.

Douglas is survived by his wife and life-partner of 60 years, Minne Davenport Canty, and four children: Murial Yolanda Owens of Brevard, NC; Stanley Douglas Owens of Brevard, NC; Kevin Douglas Canty (Rynette) of Charlotte, NC; and Barry Preston Canty (Jennifer) of Los Angeles, CA; his grandchildren, Shamquezia King, Stanley Owens Jr (Star), Michael Owens, Channing Canty, Hendrix Canty, Logan Canty, and Jordan Canty; two great grandchildren; cousin Mary Alice Mooney; and special nephew, Nathanal Smith (Veronica)

The family of Freeman Canty would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and support shown during this difficult time. Your love and compassion have been a tremendous source of comfort.

Friends and loved ones are invited to honor Mr. Canty's memory by signing the online guest book and sharing words of comfort with the family below.

The family sincerely thanks you for your continued prayers and understanding.