Preston Caperton Shannon

Preston Caperton Shannon of Midlothian, Virginia passed away on Friday, November 12, 2021. He was born in Front Royal, Virginia on September 29, 1925 and was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Henry Ward Shannon and Constance Wailes Shannon and brothers Paul Wailes and William Hunter and sister Mary Ward. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Ann Pennell Shannon; sons, Robert Preston Shannon (Sharon) of Midlothian and William Pennell Shannon (Karen) of Glen Allen; grandchildren, Rob (Amy), Ricky (Becca), Dina (Byard), Oleg; and great-grandchildren Natalie, Preston, Will and Imogene. After graduating from high school in 1943, Preston was inducted into the army, commissioned as a lieutenant and served in Japan with the 33rd and 1st Cavalry Divisions. Upon discharge from active duty, he entered The Citadel from which he graduated in 1949 and in the fall of that year he entered the Marshall-Wythe School of Law of the College of William and Mary where he earned his law degree in 1952. Upon his graduation from law school, Preston was employed as an attorney with the Fidelity & Deposit Insurance Company of Maryland and in 1957 he joined the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company where he served as an attorney for 12 years. In 1969, he was appointed Commerce Counsel for the Virginia State Corporation Commission and three years later was appointed Commissioner and served in this capacity for 24 years, retiring in 1996. Upon his retirement, Judge Shannon was awarded a Senate Joint Resolution by the Virginia General Assembly recognizing that, throughout his life and in his service to the Commonwealth, he exemplified the principles of honesty, integrity and fairness in which he so firmly believed. After moving to Bon Air in 1957, Preston joined Bon Air Presbyterian and later Crestwood Presbyterian Church serving as both a Deacon and Elder. In later years he rejoined Bon Air Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of Willow Oaks Country Club for over 40 years where he enjoyed many lasting friendships. The graveside service was private. A memorial service will be held at a future date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bon Air Presbyterian Church, bonairpc.org.