‘'For the good of the people’ - Canup left lasting legacy of building county’s infrastructure
SUBMITTED. Lewis Canup embraces his granddaughter Kelli Mayes at his 90th birthday party. Canup retired in 2015 after working as the Habersham County Administrator/Manager and Engineer.
BY ERIC PEREIRA
This article was published in the Aug. 26, 2020 edition of The Northeast Georgian.
Nearly everyone in Habersham County knows the name Lewis Canup.
Folks may think of the infrastructure he spearheaded in Habersham County or the vast knowledge he provided on roads and planning for future development among several other feats.
Whatever it was, Lewis left behind a legacy in his name that was recognized by many across the state following his death on Aug. 20.
He served as the Habersham County Administrator/Manager and County Engineer until 2015 according to his family members. Prior to that he worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for 34 years in which he retired as a district engineer.
When recalling some of his memorable DOT projects, the Canup family said Lewis helped kickoff the development of Spaghetti Junction in Atlanta thanks to a napkin sketch he provided. They said he was also involved in the development of I-85, State Route 400, and State Route 365.
They also said Lewis quickly realized retirement wasn’t for him. Two weeks after leaving Georgia DOT he began working for Habersham County as the County Administrator/Manager and later as the County Engineer.
His son Keith said his father had several job offers after leaving Georgia DOT but chose to stay in Habersham County because of what it meant to him. “He chose to stay here because this was home,” he said.
Barry Church, former Emergency Management Agency director and E-911 director worked with Lewis on several projects throughout the years. Church recalls Lewis being multi-talented, being able to always apply his knowledge from experience as a County Manager and Engineer on any project.
“We could debate our points … I knew that he was doing everything he did for the good of the people. He was a super good man to work for,” Barry said.
Church and others confirmed Lewis was instrumental in the development of the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center, Habersham County Industrial Park, and Habersham County Airport expansion among several others.
Derick Canupp, Public Works Director for Habersham County, said Lewis took him under his wing when he started working with the county in 2013.
“Lewis was my mentor and helped me transition into the job,” Derick said. “We spent many many hours together on jobs, under bridges; there’s probably not a square foot of airport we haven’t walked together.”
Derick recalls Lewis being old school in his design work, doing everything by hand rather than using computer aided design. But what he remembers most about Lewis is his work ethic. “He’ll definitely be remembered for his commitment to his faith, integrity, his honor, his code … he would not compromise his integrity or honor for anything.”
Former Habersham Chamber of Commerce President Judy Taylor said after she successfully lobbied for the Southern High roads trail to expand into Habersham County, it was thanks to Lewis’ correspondence with the DOT to acquire the necessary signage across the county.
“It was a big thing that brought tourism through Habersham County,” Judy said which would not be possible without Lewis.
Touching back on Lewis’ knowledge, Judy recalls him providing a wealth of information pertaining to expanding the county infrastructure for growth. “He left a legacy, and he will be missed,” she said.
Many said Lewis was a man of well-founded faith and high moral character in addition to his community impact. In 1996 he was named the Pace Setter by The Northeast Georgian and in 2004 he received the Ottis Stonecypher Habersham Countian of the Year award by the Habersham Chamber of Commerce.
According to his obituary, Lewis was a member, deacon, past adult Sunday School director and past choir leader at Macedonia Baptist Church. His family said he also served on the Board of Health, the Habersham County Hospital Authority, and Habersham County Airport Commission.
“Daddy had a philosophy that if you work hard, you do your job, you had a level of integrity and people will respect you for what you’ve done in your life,” his daughter Kathie said. “He really had a philosophy of faith, family and friends.”
Several other representatives of the County expressed their condolences to Lewis’ passing including County Manager Phil Sutton. “I know we have all missed having Lewis with us on a daily basis these last few years,” he said. “His impact on this community cannot be overstated. As the long time Habersham County Engineer and County Manager and as DOT District Engineer, he forged a legacy that will endure for years to come. We will as miss him deeply.”
Chairman Stacy Hall also expressed his condolences. “So sorry to hear this news. I’m incredibly grateful for his heartfelt and steadfast service to our community. Prayers lifted for his family,” he said.
