Meredith Lawrence Shannon

M. Lawrence Shannon, 85, of Smiths Station, Alabama passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at his home surrounded by loved ones. A celebration of his life with military honors will be held 2:00pm ET, Monday July 21, 2014 in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby, Phenix City, AL with burial to follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at the funeral home.

Mr. Shannon was born September 10, 1928 in Bettendorf, Iowa. He is the son of the late Lawrence M. and Anna Anderson Shannon. He attended St Ambrose College, receiving a BA in Accounting and later received his Masters in Personnel Management at Troy University. Mr. Shannon served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a Sergeant, during which time he received a Japan Occupation Medal, Army Commemoration Medal and a WWII Victory Medal. He then went on to have a distinguished 30 year career in U.S Civil Service with notable highlights to include working at the Pentagon in Washington, DC; Personnel Director at Ft. Richardson, AK and finally retiring as the Civilian Personnel Director at Ft. Benning, GA.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Steven Shannon, son-in-law, Jerry Pike and his sister Ruby F. Cook.

Larry was much loved and will be greatly missed. In deep sorrow remain: his loving wife of 65 years, Pauline Shannon, five children, Thomas Shannon (Sherri), Janice Winkler, Judith Pike, Joan Marshall, Jennifer Goins (Tim), 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at the Midtown Medical Center, John B Amos Cancer Center, Phenix City HealthCare, and Gentiva Hospice for the excellent care given to Mr. Shannon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mr. Shannon's name to the American Cancer Society.

To offer condolences, please visit www.shphenixcity.com