Billy "Bill" Ray Cannon

Bill R. Cannon passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in Mesquite, Texas at the age of 90. He was born on September 16, 1930 to Eugene and Flossie (Knowles) Cannon in Temple, Texas. For the past twenty-one years, Bill was a resident at Christian Care Center – Mesquite, Texas.

Bill is survived by his former wife and best friend, Marianne Cannon of Irving, Texas; daughter, Cynthia Tippens of Magnolia, Texas; sister, Nell Graham of Denison, Texas; granddaughter, Valerie Francisco (Andrew) of Reston, Virginia; grandchildren, Dylan and Madelynn Francisco; Kathryn Binnig (William, Lauren, Spencer, Preston) of Flower Mound, Texas ; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Douglas Cannon and sister LaVey Alexander.

Bill was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School (class of ’48) in Dallas, Texas. He served his country during the Korean War in the United States Navy aboard the USS Henrico, achieving the rank of Radioman 3rd Class. Following his military duty, Bill pursued a career in the private investigations and security services industry, eventually founding Cannon Protective Services as president. He also was a member and past governor of the Texas District, Civitan International; founder and president of the Veterans Club at Christian Care Center; and worshipped as a member of the Church of Christ.

Bill never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t spoken to yet. He was quick with a joke and enjoyed a good pun. He turned his love of trivia into a regular early morning call-in guest spot on KAAM radio. Bill made the best of every situation and his optimism uplifted the people around him. He was naturally curious and had a good memory for details. These traits came in handy when he wrote and published six books on Texas trivia and humor. An active interest in diverse cultures led him to the German-American Club of Dallas, picking up the German language, and Bavarian folk dancing (Schuhplattler). Bill was nothing if not loyal and always ready to help anyone in need. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him, including a few of the four-legged, bushy-tail variety. Known as his “squirrel ministry”, Bill spent many hours taming the neighborhood’s little furry friends with pecans supplied by his sister LaVey.

Visiting hours for Bill will be observed on Monday, January 25, 2021 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM in the State Room at Grove Hill Funeral Home. A funeral service for Mr. Cannon will immediately follow in the Chapel. Those concerned about indoor social distancing are invited to attend a gravesite service with military honors at the conclusion of the funeral service at the adjacent Grove Hill Memorial Park cemetery, 3920 Samuell Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75228.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Christian Care Center (activity fund), 900 Wiggins Parkway, Mesquite, TX, 75150. For a detailed obituary, visit: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/dallas-tx/billy-cannon-9998559