The communities of Tampa and Lehigh Acres, Florida, along with the entire student body and faculty of Middleton High School, are mourning the tragic and unexpected passing of Mr. Trey (Robert) Canady. An exceptional educator, champion for student success, and deeply loved mentor, Trey passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Known for his vibrant energy, compassionate heart, and unique ability to form authentic connections with his students, Trey spent his career lifting up young minds and enriching school culture. His loss leaves a profound void across the Florida educational community, where he will be remembered as a teacher who truly cared about the lives and futures of the youth he guided.
Biography: From Lehigh Acres to the University of South Florida
Trey Canady’s roots were planted in Southwest Florida, where he grew up in Lehigh Acres. He attended Lehigh Senior High School from 2009 to 2013, distinguishing himself as an engaged student who was deeply supportive of his peers.
Following his graduation from high school, Trey moved to the Tampa Bay area to pursue his dreams of higher education. He enrolled at the University of South Florida (USF), where he dedicated his studies to understanding diverse perspectives and systems, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies in 2016. Trey fell in love with the Tampa community during his college years, ultimately choosing to make the city his home as he embarked on a meaningful career dedicated to public service and youth advocacy.
A Stellar Career in Public Education
Trey was a naturally gifted instructor who believed that literacy, critical thinking, and structured mentorship were the ultimate tools for social mobility. He began his professional path as an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Tutor at Memorial Middle School in 2015, where he discovered his life’s calling: guiding students collaboratively and offering motivational support far beyond standard academics.
His rapid growth as an educator led him through several key positions across central and western Florida school districts:
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Middleton High School (2018–2020): Trey served with immense pride as the school’s AVID Coordinator, successfully guiding the campus to achieve “Highly-Certified AVID Program” status for consecutive academic years. Demonstrating his broad commitment to school spirit, he also stepped forward as the Student Government Sponsor starting in 2019. His profound impact culminated in him being named Middleton High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2020.
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Orange County & Charter Classrooms (2020–2021): Trey briefly brought his instructional talents to Orlando, working as an English Instructor for Orange County Public Schools and Renaissance Charter School at Boggy Creek, where he taught literary analysis, composition, and structural grammar.
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Return to Middleton High School (2021–2026): Drawn back by his deep love for the community, Trey returned to Tampa full-time as an English Instructor at Middleton High School, where he served faithfully until his sudden passing.
Just days before his departure, Trey was seen proudly celebrating alongside his students at the Middleton High School graduation ceremony, a fitting final milestone for a man who poured his heart into student success.
Moving Tributes from Colleagues and Community
Following the heartbreaking news of his passing, an outpouring of grief and beautiful tributes from friends, administrators, and colleagues highlighted the incredible mark Trey left on the world.
The administration of Middleton High School shared a heavy-hearted announcement with the community:
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpectant passing of Mr. Trey Canady. He was a vital part of the Middleton family. We loved him dearly, staff and students. We will miss him.”
Former colleague and community leader Henry Washington Jr. expressed the collective shock felt by those who worked alongside Trey:
“I just got the news yesterday and I couldn’t believe it! I just saw you at Middleton’s Graduation!… Trey was a great educator and helped to improve the Culture of Middleton HS! The kids loved him because he made real connections with his students and truly cared about them! You will be Missed Trey Canady.”
Memorial, Visitation, and Funeral Details
To honor Trey’s beautiful life, his commitment to his students, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind, formal funeral arrangements have been established in his home region of Lee County, Florida:
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Visitation & Viewing Services: Scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Hickson Funeral Home, located at 3308 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33916. A private viewing for family members will take place from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed immediately by a public viewing for friends, students, and colleagues from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
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Funeral Service: A formal celebration of life service will be held the following morning on Saturday, June 27, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM at the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2250 Palm Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33916.
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Interment: Following the church service, Trey will be laid to his final rest at the Fort Myers Cemetery, located at 3200 Michigan Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Trey Canady?
Trey (Robert) Canady was a highly respected 31-year-old English Instructor and AVID Coordinator at Middleton High School within the Hillsborough County Public Schools system. Originally from Lehigh Acres, Florida, he was a proud USF alumnus and was named Teacher of the Year in 2020.
When did Trey Canady pass away?
Trey Canady passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 12, 2026. His passing came shortly after he attended the high school graduation ceremony to cheer on his beloved students.
Where will the funeral services for Trey Canady be held?
The visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Hickson Funeral Home in Fort Myers, Florida. The funeral service will take place the following day, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Myers, with burial following at Fort Myers Cemetery.