Mr. Dennis Malvin Canley, Sr., 88 of Crossett, AR, died Friday, July 31, 2009 at Veterans Medical Center in Little Rock. Mr. Canley was a native of Oaklawn, LA, but a resident of Crossett for the past 72 years, a retired timber worker, and a member of Gates Chapel A.M.E.Church. He was preceded in death by one son, Calvin Odell Canley, his parents: Jonas & Roscity Slade Canley, two brothers: J.M. Canley & Johnny "Baby Ray" Canley, three sisters: Girdie Ross, Earlene Hawkins & Pinkie Canley. He served in the US Army as a sergeant. He received the Bronze Star Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Ribbon and the American Theater Ribbon.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Earnestine Gilliam Canley, five sons: Malvin Canley, Jr. & Raymond Canley of Crossett, AR, Lardell Canley & Russell (Betina) Canley of Bastrop, LA & Donnie Ray Canley of Vallejo, CA, one daughter, Clarice Canley (Walter) Hendrix of Crossett, AR, four brothers: L.V. (Louise) Canley of Santa Barbara, CA, Warner Canley & Willie Earl (Jenetta) Canley of Tacoma, WA & Elgin (Louise) Canley of Crossett, AR, four sisters: Ruby Robinson & Nobie Lovett both of El Dorado, AR, sula Carson of Richmond, CA & Betty Andrews of Crossett, AR, thirteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services are Friday, August 7, 2009 at 1:00 PM at Gates Chapel AME Church with Rev. Gregory C. Nettles, officiating. Visitation Thursday, August 6 from 6-8 PM at Cromwell Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Robert Hendrix, Perry Johnson, Curtis Boston, Jr., Greg Bridges, Jessie Putney & Hosey Brown. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Lovett, Edgar Johnson, Jr., Walter Hendrix, Malvin Canley, Jr., Raymond, Lardell, Russell & Donnie Ray Canley. Burial in Ryles Chapel Cemetery.