William Cannon

William Adron Cannon, 84, passed away from his earthly life to his heavenly home on June 3, 2018. 

William, known as Bill, was born in Beaumont, Texas to Clyde Cannon, Sr. and Jessie Urquhart Cannon, on March 7, 1934. He was the middle child, between big brother, Clyde Cannon, Jr., and little sister, Carolyn Cannon Owers. As this was during the depression years, the children mostly raised themselves while their parents worked many long hours. Bill attended Beaumont High School, graduating in 1953. He immediately joined the Army, serving at the end of the Korean War. That experience gave Bill his hatred of flying!  Before leaving for Korea, he met the great love of his life, Nancy Jane Watson. They corresponded during his time in Korea. Upon his return, they became engaged and married on April 6, 1957.

Thus began their marriage of 61 years. Bill and Nancy welcomed their daughter, Charlene Patricia, one year later on April 5, 1958.  Three years later, their son, William Brian, joined the family. By then, Bill was attending Lamar University and working as a certified electrician.  This remained his occupation until he retired in 1995. Those early, happy years were busy, and punctuated with enjoyable occasions spent with both Bill’s and Nancy’s sides of the family. Bill adored Nancy and his children and embraced the most admirable work ethic so that he could provide the best life possible for them. The family was very active in the church life at First Christian Church. Brian played baseball and Charlene took many dance lessons. In 1979, Charlene married Stephen Meek and soon after Bill and Nancy took on their best roles: Pawpaw and Grammy. Bill absolutely delighted in his three grandchildren, Haley Noelle, Grayson Hilary, and Parker Stephen.  Bill even babysat for Parker’s first three years while Charlene worked. Pawpaw and Parker were best buddies!  

Bill and Nancy took many road trips, the most memorable being when they took Haley and Grayson to Washington DC and New York City. Other favorite destinations were Branson, San Antonio, and New Orleans. Later, the additions of their 3 great-granddaughters, Phoebe Jane, Susannah, and Genevieve, were the icing on the cake. In 2014, Bill had a major stroke. This frightened the family and sadly, slowed Bill down. He was thankfully able to still enjoy life, and especially his family, almost until the end. 

Bill was a most kind, gentle, and hardworking man. He was the caretaker of our family, even in the last month of his life, he made sure Charlene made it safely to her car. He was a quiet man, never one to chit-chat, but possessed of a quick, dry wit. He taught his children and grandchildren to give all to whatever one does. He blessed our days and years. 

Bill’s passions were chauffeuring Nancy on their travels great and small, watching the Astros and Cowboys with Brian, fishing, crossword puzzles, detective novels, great food, old cowboy movies, and most of all, never missing his grandchildren’s baseball, softball, soccer, basketball games, dance, choir, piano recitals, or theater productions. He was simply the best Pawpaw. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nancy Jane Watson Cannon; son, William Brian Cannon; and daughter, Charlene Cannon Meek and her husband, Stephen, all of Beaumont; brother, Clyde H. Cannon, Jr. and his wife, Barbara, of College Station; sister, Carolyn Cannon Owers and her husband, Nathan, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Haley Meek Strahan and her husband, Ben, Grayson Meek, of Beaumont, and Parker Meek of Galveston; great-grandchildren, Phoebe Jane Strahan, Susannah Strahan, and Genevieve Strahan, all of Beaumont; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A gathering of Mr. Cannon’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive Beaumont. A private family committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 700 North Street, Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

Matthew 25:21

“Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”