Obituary of Richard "Rick" Charles Canady, DDS

Richard Charles Canady, 56, of Tulsa, OK passed away peacefully on December 8, 2016 in Tulsa, OK. He was born on September 30, 1960 to the late Wanda Lea and Charles Thomas Canady. He was married for 36 years to his high school sweetheart, Debra Talley. Rick was a long-time member of Jenks Church of Christ. He will forever be remembered for his passion, dedication, generosity, and quick wit. Rick knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue dentistry. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Oklahoma Christian College, he attended the University of Oklahoma’s College of Dentistry. Rick’s desire was to provide his patients with the highest level of dental care. He dedicated over 30 years to perfecting the craft he loved. His office motto, “The Pursuit of Excellence”, extended beyond his office into teaching. He was committed to helping his local colleagues by facilitating a Spear Education Study Club in his Tulsa office, which he helped mentor and teach cosmetic, restorative and preventative dentistry. Rick never lost his desire to learn and improve. Even through his illness, he continuously sought opportunities to give to the dental community. Rick was recently recognized for his deep commitment, expertise and mentoring spirit by Spear Education with the naming and dedication of a Spear Education lecture hall. Rick was not only devoted to his professional life but his family was his priority. Rick was a faithful father, and had a deep passion for coaching his four sons throughout their childhood in basketball and baseball. He enjoyed traveling with Debra and spending time with his three beautiful granddaughters. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda Canady, father, Tom Canady, and brother Randy Canady. Rick is survived by his wife, Debra Canady, his four sons Matt Canady, Craig Canady and wife Jessica, Todd Canady, and Reid Canady, his granddaughters Kailee, Rylee, Arlow, his brother Ryan, and many other family members. Rick will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Jenks Church of Christ and he will be laid to rest at the Sunrise Cemetery in Kellyville, OK following. Ninde Brookside Chapel ninde.com 918-742-5556