Bill Dean Cannon

Bill Dean Cannon, resident of the Oakland Community, retired Shelby County teacher and coach and husband of Diane Cannon died Sunday afternoon, September 23, 2012 at the Select Specialty Hospital in Memphis where he had been a patient for nine days. He was 65 years of age and died following an extended illness.

Services of Remembrance with Military Honors for Mr. Cannon were conducted at 11 A.M. Thursday, September 27th at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with remarks given by Mr. Cannon’s brother, Tony Cannon, and other family members. A Private Family Interment will be in the Fayette County Memorial Park Cemetery on Highway 64. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center — West Chapel at Oakland.

Mr. Cannon was born November 29, 1946 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the son of Louise Green Cannon and the late Bill J. Cannon. He received his education in the Oklahoma Public School System and continued his education at the University of Memphis, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War Period.

He served as a teacher and basketball coach in the Memphis - Shelby County Public School System for over 32 years before his retirement four years ago. Mr. Cannon was married January 22, 1971 to the former Diane Buford of Memphis, a retired Shelby County School System teacher, who survives.

A Christian, Mr. Cannon was known for his love of education and athletics and received much pleasure from teaching and coaching students during their formative years. He was an avid basketball fan and enjoyed golfing in his leisure time. Known for his fun-loving personality and love for his family, Mr. Cannon enjoyed outdoor cooking and special times with his grandchildren and other family members.

In addition to his wife of 41 years, Mr. Cannon is survived by two daughters, Susan LaFrain (David) of Orlando, FL, Emily Jones (Chris) of Orlando, FL; his mother, Margaret Louise Green Cannon of Weatherford, OK; his brother, Tony Cannon (Reggie) of Weatherford, OK; and four grandchildren, Joe LaFrain, Garren LaFrain, Sophie LaFrain and Alexa Jones.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the Shelby County Chapter of the American Diabetes Association, 5587 Murray Road, Suite 105, Memphis, TN 38119 or to the church, charity or organization of the donor’s choice.