Edward Nelson Cannon Jr.

Edward was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Edward Nelson Cannon Sr. (Essie Mae) and Lillian Downing Franklin (Howard) on March 8, 1941. He moved to Mobile, Alabama, as a teen and was an alumni of Murphy High School. In 1959 Edward joined the US Marine Corps. While in service he suffered a military career ending and life changing traumatic brain injury. Despite a poor prognosis and paralysis he regained mobility under the guidance and dedication of his step-mother, Essie Mae Cannon.

Edward went on to attend the 20th Century Business School where he studied accounting and then was employed at the GM&O Railroad for nearly twenty years. After working for the railroad he worked for the City of Mobile where he won multiple awards in service to his community.

Edward was a fantastic PawPaw to eight grandchildren Bryant Wheat, Gregory Wheat, Emily Wright, Elizabeth Knowles (Micah Todd), Dylan Knowles, Timothy Knowles, Katherine Knowles, and Kara Knowles.

Mr. Ed, as he was often referred to, was known for his generosity, sense of humor, and storytelling. He was a god-fearing man who had a love for southern gospel music. He was an avid listener of the Gaither Vocal Band, whom he saw numerous times in concert. When not lobbing one liners or reciting memorable dates he spent his time watching Lawrence Welk and Jeopardy and rooting for his favorite football team, Penn State, and baseball team, the Phillies.

Edward was survived by his two daughters, Kayla Ann Wheat (Guy) and Kimberly Wright-Knowles (Jeff), siblings Joy Franklin Wambolt and Fred Franklin (Connie), his eight grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Larry Franklin, Leona Dawn Haley, Howard Franklin, and Charlie Powers.

Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home on Sunday, June 27, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be in the funeral home chapel on Monday, June 28, 2021 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Entombment will follow in the Chapel Mausoleum, Pine Crest Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.Radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.