William Cornett Cannon

William "Bill" Cornett Cannon went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2006. He died at The Heritage Nursing Home in Corbin, Kentucky. He has touched many people with his kind heart and loving smile; beloved Daddy and "Dee" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bill was born on October 18, 1914 in Spencer, West Virginia to J.O. and Maude Cannon. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Velma Cannon and his brother, James Cannon, both of Corbin.
W.C., known by many, moved to Corbin in 1948 with his wife Velma and daughter June Cannon Martin. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Civil Engineering in 1937. At UK, he was a member of the Marching 100 Band and Triangle Fraternity.
After graduation, he worked for the Kentucky State Highway Dept. While working on the roads in Owsley County, he met his future wife and soon moved to Paintsville, Kentucky where he worked at the Mayo Vocational School teaching drafting and surveying. He then worked as a High School Math and Science teacher in Owsley County, as well as the Varsity Basketball Coach. He then moved to Corbin to become a Resident Engineer at the L&N Railroad. Bill served many years as the City Engineer in Corbin and worked diligently with the Corp of Engineers on Laurel Lake Dam. He retired at age 81 after serving over 20 years as a Dam Inspector for the Mine Safety Health Administration.
His survivors include his daughter and son-in-law June Cannon Martin and Henry Martin; His grandchildren, Bill Martin of Lexington, Kentucky, Canna Jo and Mike Mittelman of Palm Coast, Florida, Larry and Donna Martin of Barbourville, and Laura Beth and Keith Clifton of Corbin; His great-grandchildren, Megan Mittelman, Matthew Mittelman, Nicklaus Martin, Abby Martin, Hollie Beth Clifton, Tyler Clifton and Zachary Clifton. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Prudie Stivers and Bill Ed and Rose Cannon, of Corbin, Barbara and Logan Thomas of Beattyville, Kentucky and Doris June and Paul Issacs of Xenia, Ohio. He is also survived by several great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Bill loved the Lord Jesus and was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Corbin for 54 years. He was a member of the choir for over 50 years. He was a member of the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class. He also enjoyed participating in the Goodwill Fellowship for senior members.
Bill was a lifetime member of Kentucky Professional Engineers Association. He served many years as a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He was an avid gardener and walked all over Corbin. His main love was the Corbin High School Basketball and Football games. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be nephews and great-nephews. Honorary Pallbearers are Bob Eckert, Earl Barfield, and the Wesley Fellowship Sunday School Class.
Visitation for Mr. Cannon will be held on Thursday, October 5, from 6-9 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Corbin. The body will lie in state from 1 until 2 pm Friday with funeral services at 2 pm Friday at the church. Officiating will be the Rev. Timothy Thompson and the Rev. Richard Holladay. Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home and O'Neil Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Rue Wesley Scholarship Fund at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky.