Dr. Harold Everett Cannon, M.D.

Harold Everett Cannon, 89 years old, passed away peacefully in his Birmingham home on May 13, 2026, in the comforting embrace of his wife of 54 years, Lilli Ann Lynch Cannon. In addition to his wife, Ann, Harold is survived by three daughters and their families: Emily and Chips Pruet (David, Ann Everett, and John); Ashley and Jeff Pendleton (Lillie); and Melanie and Michael Gee (Mae Grace and Morris). Harold was predeceased by his parents, Grace and Suell Cannon, and siblings, Gerald and Shirley.

Harold’s faith in Jesus Christ and his dedication to family, along with the other values that defined him, were all instilled in him as a child in Tallassee. Harold was born there in his family’s home and would later fondly recount to his grandchildren how his father, with whom he loved to fish, had been his best friend. While in high school, Harold worked at the local mill alongside his father. With a generous loan from the mill’s manager, Joe Patterson, Harold was able to attend Alabama Polytechnic Institute where he graduated summa cum laude in 1959.

Harold went on to graduate from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1963, complete a Residency in Orthopedics as Chief Resident at University Hospital in 1967, and earn the distinction of completing the first Pediatric Fellowship in Orthopedics in the State of Alabama at Crippled Children’s Hospital in 1968. Harold then served as the Chief of Staff at an Army field hospital in South Korea where he earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary and Meritorious Service Medals. After being honorably discharged as a Major in 1970, Harold moved to Birmingham where he met Ann and began practicing as an orthopedic surgeon at Medical Center East. Known by his colleagues and patients as a tireless and innovative surgeon, Harold practiced there until his retirement decades later.

Despite the demands of his career and the success he achieved, Harold’s faith and his family always came first, and his core values never changed. Harold believed in hard work and self-reliance; he had an uncompromising understanding of right and wrong and had no regard for status symbols. What mattered to Harold was spending time with Ann and his three daughters, who, at his insistence, would join Ann and him for dinner every Saturday night. Harold was always happiest in the kitchen with Ann, with whom he shared a passion for preparing gourmet meals. Harold particularly enjoyed baking bread, and his finely tuned recipes were regularly published in cookbooks and magazines, including Southern Living. He and Ann also loved fine wine, which they collected on their countless trips overseas. Harold and Ann’s adventurous spirit and dedication to Christ would eventually lead them to join nearly fifty international medical mission trips where Harold was known for ministering to and caring for children.

That same faith and love for his family allowed Harold, in his final decade, to overcome incredible adversity that seemed insurmountable to everyone, including his doctors. With the support of a talented team of caregivers, whom he cherished, Harold went on to enjoy some of his best years with Ann. Harold went home last week, but he remains an inspiration to his family, who will always be grateful for the blessing of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Brookwood Baptist Church fund for international missions.