Jeffrey Lee Canning

Jeffrey Lee Canning, 47, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 

Born on July 22, 1977, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, he was the son of Veronica Mary Fair and John Stephen Canning. 

After graduating from Boise State University in 2003 Jeff received his commission into the United States Army. Jeff proudly served his country with five combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. After 11.5 years of service, Jeff left the military hoping to provide a less turbulent life for his family.  

In 2014, his daughter Emmalee, the absolute light of his life was born. More than anything, above all else, Jeff loved being a dad. It was evident to anyone who knew Jeff. Their most favorite things to do together was to go get “doneys” (donuts) from Dunkin’, to go on “abentures” (adventures), or to “‘nuggle” (snuggle). Outside of being the best dad to Emmalee, he had an affinity for animals. The family owned four out of the five animals because Jeff couldn’t say no to an animal in need. Lovingly, his family referred to him as a “cat dad”, a name that he publicly rejected (he would be horrified right now!).  

Jeff was a storyteller, who loved making people laugh. He had the unique ability to turn an everyday, ordinary event into a grandiose, larger than life story. Jeff was a phenomenal cook. He thrived off of feeding people and aggressively collecting praise and compliments on said meal. He was most famous for his 24-hour spaghetti sauce, “greek tacos”, and playing the “meat game”, where dinner time would be the time when the meat was the perfect temperature - having the family and guests eat at 6pm, 11pm, or who knew what time?!  

For the last nine years, Jeff worked tirelessly while pouring every ounce of himself into a tech company he wholeheartedly believed in. He led that company with such pride and was on the cusp of making the big breakthrough he had envisioned.  

Jeff is survived by his wife, Jenniffer Canning and daughter Emmalee Canning. His favorite three cats, Matilda, Luna, and Baby Cat. His parents John and Veronica Canning, his brother Chris (Meredith) Canning, his sister Cindy (Ben) Propst, and a plethora of extended family, military leaders, friends and business partners.  

Jeff is preceded in death by our beloved Great Pyrenees, Zain, who crossed over the rainbow bridge the same day. 

A viewing for family and friends will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm with the Celebration of Life taking place immediately following at 2:00 pm at McAlister-Smith funeral home located at 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeff’s memory can be made to a college fund established for his daughter, Emmalee. A 529 plan will be created at a later date, with proof of deposit available upon request. In the meantime, a Uniform Gift to Minors Act (UGMA) account has been set up to receive donations. Contributions can be made via Venmo or Zelle, and all funds will go directly to Emmalee Canning. Venmo donations can be sent to @EmmaleeCanning (the account photo is Jeff and Emmalee). Zelle donations can be sent to Emmalee Canning via phone number 843-670-0348. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home ~ West Ashley, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29414, (843) 722-8371.