John Robert (Bob) Cannon

John Robert (Bob) Cannon died on Sunday, October 18, 2015, at the age of 92. Bob was born in Rogers, Arkansas to Carl and Patti Cannon. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary Auston Cannon, to whom he was married 52 years, his brother Carl Cannon, sister-in-law Millie Cannon, and daughter-in-law Carol Ward Cannon. He is survived by his five sons, Carl (Carla) Cannon, John R. Jr. (Andrea) Cannon, Thomas Cannon, Patrick (Sandy) Cannon, and Christopher (Paula) Cannon; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jonathan) Wheeler, Auston Cannon, Elizabeth Cannon, Brandon Cannon, and Ryan Cannon, and one great-grandchild, Elizabeth Wheeler. Bob was a graduate of Howard College (now Samford University) where he met and fell in love with Mary. His college years were interrupted when he enlisted in the Army during World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Fighting 29th Division. He battled in the infamous war between the hedgerows in Normandy, France, through St. Lo, was then shipped to Brest, France, and then to Maastricht, Holland, where he was injured severely enough to be removed from combat. Bob received two purple hearts and a bronze star for heroic service. He was a tough soldier to the end, refusing to surrender. Bob returned to Birmingham after the war and completed his degree. He began his career with Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company in Birmingham and the home office in Philadelphia. He continued his career in Nashville with Murphree Mortgage Company and retired from Bank of America as Vice President and Director of its residential mortgage branch in Tennessee. He was a past president of the Tennessee Mortgage Bankers Association and the first recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award. He was fond of the people who he fostered in the mortgage business over the years. Bob committed to Mary that he would raise his boys as Catholics and was proud that all of his sons graduated from Christ The King School and Father Ryan High School. He remained a supporter of both through the years. Bob provided steadfast counsel to his sons and their families for which they are grateful. Bob enjoyed time with family, golf, Crimson Tide football, and lunches with his friends from the mortgage business. His love and advice will be missed by many, especially his sons and their families. Visitation for Bob will take place on Monday, October 19, 2015, from five o’clock until eight in the evening at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home. A private graveside service will take place at Calvary Cemetery. The Cannon family would like to thank the amazing staff of Woodcrest at Blakeford for their caring and compassionate service. In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to Christ The King Catholic Church of Nashville.