Floyd E. Caniff

Floyd E. Caniff, 88, of Blue Ridge, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2008, after a two year battle with lung cancer. Born March 14, 1920, in East St. Louis, Ill., and preceded in death by parents, Thomas Francis and Mattie Caniff; and siblings. He was the youngest child of seven brothers and three sisters. He was a long time member of Shady Grove Baptist Church. Floyd served two tours of duty with the United States Army during World War II, 19th Engineers Corp., and was a Purple Heart recipient. He served in General Patton's 3rd Army in the North Africa, Sicily and Italy campaign. After being discharged, he made Virginia his home and worked at American Viscose, in Radio, and at both WSLS and WDBJ TV. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lucille St.Clair Caniff, who he met while stationed at Ft. Lee, Va.; and a daughter and her husband, Connie and Jim Scarrow, of Anchorage, Alaska; many nieces and nephews; and a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Juanita and Jack Wheeler. A service celebrating Floyd's life will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2008, from the Shady Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Mitchell and the Rev. Harry Leland officiating. Burial to follow in Shady Grove Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S. Army. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2008, at the Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. The family would like to express their thanks to the V.A. Hospital and all the wonderful care givers there. Also a special "thank you" to Home Instead and Evonne Meadows, his care giver. Flowers will be appreciated or donations to American Cancer Society or Shady Grove Fire & Rescue.