William G. Cannon Jr.

William Glenn Cannon, Jr., 77, of Virginia Beach, VA., died peacefully in his hospital bed on April 27th, 2012. He was born in Norfolk, VA to William Glenn Cannon and Margaret Smith and was a loving brother to Ann Cannon Jennings (Maurice).

Throughout his life, “Bill” or “Billy” proudly lived as the 1950 King of Patches at Blair Jr. High. He was equally proud of being a 1954 graduate of Maury High where he played football and basketball. Following high school and undergraduate work at Old Dominion University, he continued on to earn his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from ODU. While at ODU he was a member of the Delta Fraternity. Initially he helped shape the lives of students in Norfolk Public Schools as a Physical Ed. teacher and then later in Virginia Beach as a Driver’s Ed. Teacher and a Guidance Counselor. He also coached various youth flag football and basketball teams. In April of 1966 he married his bride, Martha “Patsy” Freeman who would faithfully remain by his side for the next 46 years.

Bill relished the good times of life with his friends and family. Often he would hang out at Decker’s gas station or at friends’ homes for hours. These friendships became the foundation of his life. He also greatly enjoyed attending Major League Baseball games with his family.

Other proud moments in his life were becoming a father to his son, William G. Cannon, III (Tena) and grandfather to four children, William G. Cannon, IV, Joshua, Sarah and Memphis Cannon. He is also survived by brother-in-law James David Freeman (Caroline), three nieces: Debbie Jennings Sheckles, Lee Ann Jennings, Beth Jennings Derogatis, and three nephews: Michael, Jim, and Peter Freeman, and caregiver Michelle Trante.

A viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, April 30th from 6-8pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Witchduck Rd. in Va.Beach. Family and friends are invited at 11am on Tuesday, May 1st to the memorial service (conducted by Dr. Eslie Phillips) and reception at Bill’s home church, Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church, 5520 Tidewater Drive, in Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church. Friends may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com