Samuel Canterbury, Iii

Samuel "Cac" Luther Canterbury, III, age 80, of Rockport, TX passed away February 3, 2018. He was born February 23, 1937 in Kilgore, Texas to the late Dr. Samuel Luther Canterbury, Jr. and Elsie Pudwell Canterbury.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 53 years, Clare Canterbury; sons, Samuel Canterbury, Michael Canterbury (Amy); daughters, Christine Canterbury (John), Laura Canterbury Adams (Todd); grandchildren, Michael and Stephen Canterbury, Matthew, Sarah and Stephanie Cory; brother, Charles Canterbury; sister, Diane Miller.

Sam grew up in Kilgore, TX and went to Kilgore Junior College. He then transferred to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. At Marquette he met the love of his life and mother of his children, Clare Palisin Canterbury. They were married May 8, 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Rockport, Texas. He started Canterbury Design and Construction at that time as well as several other businesses over the years and lived as an active member of the coastal community until his death.

Sam was involved in many organizations over the years including Phi Theta Kappa where he served as national president from 1957-1958, a member the American Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) since 1958, and the Gulf Coast Conservation Association where he was recognized as "Conservationist of the Year" in 1991. He was an accomplished instrument rated pilot with years of flying experience. He was an avid sailor with experience ranging from sunfish to open ocean racing.

Sam was a true renaissance man with many passions in life including his faith, family, flying, hunting and fishing, arrowhead hunting, Model A Fords and puzzles of all kinds. He was a devoted family man with an incredible love for family time. He never missed an event of any of his children over the years and continued enjoying the next generation by attending his grandchildren's school and sport functions. Sam never knew a stranger and had many friendships that lasted over his lifetime.

Sam, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend will be missed by many that he touched over the years. His family would like to thank all of those who have loved him and cared for him over the years.

Visitation will be 9:00a.m.-9:00p.m. with family present for a celebration of his life from 5:30p.m.-8:00p.m. and a Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home, Aransas Pass.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:00a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018 officiated by Father Ray Yrlas, Jr. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rockport. Burial will follow at Fulton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Incarnate Word Academy, Attn: Sr. Martha Ann Snapka, 2920 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 for the St. Jude Memorial Scholarship being created in his honor.